Subtract 42/18 from 1/42
1st number: 1/42, 2nd number: 2 6/18
1/42 - 42/18 is -97/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 18 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
1/42 = 1 × 3/42 × 3 = 3/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 7 = 126,
42/18 = 42 × 7/18 × 7 = 294/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
3/126 - 294/126 = 3 - 294/126 = -291/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -97/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/42-42/18 1/42-84/18 1/84-42/18 1/42-42/36 3/42-42/18 1/42-42/54 5/42-42/18 1/42-42/90 7/42-42/18