Subtract 2/36 from 8/42
8/42 - 2/36 is 17/126.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
8/42 = 8 × 6/42 × 6 = 48/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
2/36 = 2 × 7/36 × 7 = 14/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
48/252 - 14/252 = 48 - 14/252 = 34/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 17/126
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 16/42-2/36 8/42-4/36 8/84-2/36 8/42-2/72 24/42-2/36 8/42-6/36 40/42-2/36 8/42-10/36 56/42-2/36 8/42-14/36