Subtract 8/4 from 4/42
1st number: 4/42, 2nd number: 2 0/4
4/42 - 8/4 is -40/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 4 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
4/42 = 4 × 2/42 × 2 = 8/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 4 × 21 = 84,
8/4 = 8 × 21/4 × 21 = 168/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
8/84 - 168/84 = 8 - 168/84 = -160/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -40/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/42-8/4 4/42-16/4 4/84-8/4 12/42-8/4 4/42-24/4 4/42-8/12 20/42-8/4 4/42-40/4 4/42-8/20 28/42-8/4 4/42-56/4 4/42-8/28