Subtract 3/8 from 7/42
7/42 - 3/8 is -5/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 8 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
7/42 = 7 × 4/42 × 4 = 28/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
3/8 = 3 × 21/8 × 21 = 63/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
28/168 - 63/168 = 28 - 63/168 = -35/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/24
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