Subtract 42/72 from 10/18
10/18 - 42/72 is -1/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
10/18 = 10 × 4/18 × 4 = 40/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
42/72 = 42 × 1/72 × 1 = 42/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
40/72 - 42/72 = 40 - 42/72 = -2/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 20/18-42/72 10/18-84/72 10/36-42/72 30/18-42/72 10/54-42/72 50/18-42/72 10/90-42/72 70/18-42/72