Subtract 18/36 from 12/45
12/45 - 18/36 is -7/30.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
12/45 = 12 × 4/45 × 4 = 48/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
18/36 = 18 × 5/36 × 5 = 90/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
48/180 - 90/180 = 48 - 90/180 = -42/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/30
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/45-18/36 12/90-18/36 12/45-18/72 36/45-18/36 12/45-54/36 60/45-18/36 12/45-90/36 84/45-18/36