Subtract 40/8 from 8/42
1st number: 8/42, 2nd number: 5 0/8
8/42 - 40/8 is -101/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 8 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
8/42 = 8 × 4/42 × 4 = 32/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
40/8 = 40 × 21/8 × 21 = 840/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
32/168 - 840/168 = 32 - 840/168 = -808/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -101/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 16/42-40/8 8/42-80/8 8/84-40/8 8/42-40/16 24/42-40/8 8/42-40/24 40/42-40/8 56/42-40/8 8/42-40/56