Subtract 12/5 from 8/42
1st number: 8/42, 2nd number: 2 2/5
8/42 - 12/5 is -232/105.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 5 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
8/42 = 8 × 5/42 × 5 = 40/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 42 = 210,
12/5 = 12 × 42/5 × 42 = 504/210 - Subtract the two like fractions:
40/210 - 504/210 = 40 - 504/210 = -464/210 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -232/105
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 16/42-12/5 8/42-24/5 8/84-12/5 8/42-12/10 24/42-12/5 8/42-36/5 8/42-12/15 40/42-12/5 8/42-60/5 8/42-12/25 56/42-12/5 8/42-84/5 8/42-12/35