Subtract 42/8 from 40/18
1st number: 2 4/18, 2nd number: 5 2/8
40/18 - 42/8 is -109/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 8 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
40/18 = 40 × 4/18 × 4 = 160/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
42/8 = 42 × 9/8 × 9 = 378/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
160/72 - 378/72 = 160 - 378/72 = -218/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -109/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/18-42/8 40/18-84/8 40/36-42/8 40/18-42/16 40/54-42/8 40/18-42/24 40/90-42/8 40/18-42/40 40/18-42/56