Subtract 21/36 from 42/8
1st number: 5 2/8, 2nd number: 21/36
42/8 - 21/36 is 14/3.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 36 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
42/8 = 42 × 9/8 × 9 = 378/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 2 = 72,
21/36 = 21 × 2/36 × 2 = 42/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
378/72 - 42/72 = 378 - 42/72 = 336/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 14/3
- In mixed form: 42/3
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