Subtract 21/8 from 42/56
1st number: 42/56, 2nd number: 2 5/8
42/56 - 21/8 is -15/8.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 8 is 56
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 56 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 1 = 56,
42/56 = 42 × 1/56 × 1 = 42/56 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 7 = 56,
21/8 = 21 × 7/8 × 7 = 147/56 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/56 - 147/56 = 42 - 147/56 = -105/56 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -15/8
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