Subtract 3/56 from 18/42
18/42 - 3/56 is 3/8.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 56 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
18/42 = 18 × 4/42 × 4 = 72/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
3/56 = 3 × 3/56 × 3 = 9/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
72/168 - 9/168 = 72 - 9/168 = 63/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 3/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/42-3/56 18/42-6/56 18/84-3/56 54/42-3/56 18/42-9/56 90/42-3/56 18/42-15/56 18/42-21/56