Subtract 42/9 from 18/12
1st number: 1 6/12, 2nd number: 4 6/9
18/12 - 42/9 is -19/6.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 9 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
18/12 = 18 × 3/12 × 3 = 54/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 4 = 36,
42/9 = 42 × 4/9 × 4 = 168/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
54/36 - 168/36 = 54 - 168/36 = -114/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -19/6
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/12-42/9 18/12-84/9 18/24-42/9 18/12-42/18 54/12-42/9 18/36-42/9 18/12-42/27 90/12-42/9 18/60-42/9 18/12-42/45 18/84-42/9 18/12-42/63