Subtract 15/3 from 18/42
1st number: 18/42, 2nd number: 5 0/3
18/42 - 15/3 is -32/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 3 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
18/42 = 18 × 1/42 × 1 = 18/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 3 × 14 = 42,
15/3 = 15 × 14/3 × 14 = 210/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
18/42 - 210/42 = 18 - 210/42 = -192/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -32/7
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/42-15/3 18/42-30/3 18/84-15/3 18/42-15/6 54/42-15/3 18/42-45/3 18/42-15/9 90/42-15/3 18/42-75/3 18/42-15/21