Subtract 27/8 from 42/15
1st number: 2 12/15, 2nd number: 3 3/8
42/15 - 27/8 is -23/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 8 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 8 = 120,
42/15 = 42 × 8/15 × 8 = 336/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 15 = 120,
27/8 = 27 × 15/8 × 15 = 405/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
336/120 - 405/120 = 336 - 405/120 = -69/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -23/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/15-27/8 42/15-54/8 42/30-27/8 42/15-27/16 42/15-81/8 42/45-27/8 42/15-27/24 42/75-27/8 42/15-27/40 42/15-27/56