Subtract 42/84 from 8/36
8/36 - 42/84 is -5/18.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 84 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
8/36 = 8 × 7/36 × 7 = 56/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 84 × 3 = 252,
42/84 = 42 × 3/84 × 3 = 126/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
56/252 - 126/252 = 56 - 126/252 = -70/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/18
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 16/36-42/84 8/72-42/84 24/36-42/84 40/36-42/84 56/36-42/84