Subtract 42/18 from 42/8, Solve 5 2/8

Subtract 42/18 from 42/8

1^st number: 5 2/8, 2^nd number: 2 6/18

42/8 - 42/18 is 35/12.

Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 18 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 18 × 4 = 72,
42/18 = 42 × 4/18 × 4 = 168/72
Subtract the two like fractions:
378/72 - 168/72 = 378 - 168/72 = 210/72
After reducing the fraction, the answer is 35/12
In mixed form: 211/12

MathStep (Works offline)

Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad