Subtract 15/18 from 18/42
18/42 - 15/18 is -17/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 18 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
18/42 = 18 × 3/42 × 3 = 54/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 7 = 126,
15/18 = 15 × 7/18 × 7 = 105/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
54/126 - 105/126 = 54 - 105/126 = -51/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/42
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