Subtract 42/8 from 7/21
1st number: 7/21, 2nd number: 5 2/8
7/21 - 42/8 is -59/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 8 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 8 = 168,
7/21 = 7 × 8/21 × 8 = 56/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
42/8 = 42 × 21/8 × 21 = 882/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
56/168 - 882/168 = 56 - 882/168 = -826/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -59/12
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