Subtract 42/56 from 18/36
18/36 - 42/56 is -1/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 56 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 14 = 504,
18/36 = 18 × 14/36 × 14 = 252/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 9 = 504,
42/56 = 42 × 9/56 × 9 = 378/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
252/504 - 378/504 = 252 - 378/504 = -126/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/4
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