Subtract 21/84 from 8/42
8/42 - 21/84 is -5/84.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 84 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
8/42 = 8 × 2/42 × 2 = 16/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 84 × 1 = 84,
21/84 = 21 × 1/84 × 1 = 21/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
16/84 - 21/84 = 16 - 21/84 = -5/84
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