Subtract 18/32 from 3/42
3/42 - 18/32 is -55/112.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 32 is 672
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 672 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 16 = 672,
3/42 = 3 × 16/42 × 16 = 48/672 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 21 = 672,
18/32 = 18 × 21/32 × 21 = 378/672 - Subtract the two like fractions:
48/672 - 378/672 = 48 - 378/672 = -330/672 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -55/112
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/42-18/32 3/42-36/32 3/84-18/32 3/42-18/64 9/42-18/32 3/42-54/32 3/42-18/96 15/42-18/32 3/42-90/32 21/42-18/32