Subtract 15/36 from 18/42
18/42 - 15/36 is 1/84.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
18/42 = 18 × 6/42 × 6 = 108/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
15/36 = 15 × 7/36 × 7 = 105/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
108/252 - 105/252 = 108 - 105/252 = 3/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 1/84
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/42-15/36 18/42-30/36 18/84-15/36 18/42-15/72 54/42-15/36 18/42-45/36 90/42-15/36 18/42-75/36