Subtract 42/36 from 12/18
1st number: 12/18, 2nd number: 1 6/36
12/18 - 42/36 is -1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 36 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 2 = 36,
12/18 = 12 × 2/18 × 2 = 24/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 1 = 36,
42/36 = 42 × 1/36 × 1 = 42/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/36 - 42/36 = 24 - 42/36 = -18/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/2
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