Subtract 2/18 from 18/42
18/42 - 2/18 is 20/63.
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,
2/18 = 2 × 7/18 × 7 = 14/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
54/126 - 14/126 = 54 - 14/126 = 40/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 20/63
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/42-2/18 18/42-4/18 18/84-2/18 18/42-2/36 54/42-2/18 18/42-6/18 18/42-2/54 90/42-2/18 18/42-10/18 18/42-2/90 18/42-14/18