Subtract 36/7 from 18/42
1st number: 18/42, 2nd number: 5 1/7
18/42 - 36/7 is -33/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 7 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
18/42 = 18 × 1/42 × 1 = 18/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 7 × 6 = 42,
36/7 = 36 × 6/7 × 6 = 216/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
18/42 - 216/42 = 18 - 216/42 = -198/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -33/7
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/42-36/7 18/42-72/7 18/84-36/7 18/42-36/14 54/42-36/7 18/42-36/21 90/42-36/7 18/42-36/35 18/42-36/49