Subtract 40/48 from 8/42
8/42 - 40/48 is -9/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 48 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
8/42 = 8 × 8/42 × 8 = 64/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
40/48 = 40 × 7/48 × 7 = 280/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
64/336 - 280/336 = 64 - 280/336 = -216/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -9/14
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 16/42-40/48 8/42-80/48 8/84-40/48 8/42-40/96 24/42-40/48 40/42-40/48 56/42-40/48