Subtract 84/9 from 42/8
1st number: 5 2/8, 2nd number: 9 3/9
42/8 - 84/9 is -49/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 9 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 9 × 8 = 72,
84/9 = 84 × 8/9 × 8 = 672/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
378/72 - 672/72 = 378 - 672/72 = -294/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -49/12
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/8-84/9 42/16-84/9 42/8-84/18 42/24-84/9 42/8-84/27 42/40-84/9 42/8-84/45 42/56-84/9 42/8-84/63