Subtract 36/8 from 18/42
1st number: 18/42, 2nd number: 4 4/8
18/42 - 36/8 is -57/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 8 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 8 × 21 = 168,
36/8 = 36 × 21/8 × 21 = 756/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
72/168 - 756/168 = 72 - 756/168 = -684/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -57/14
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/42-36/8 18/42-72/8 18/84-36/8 18/42-36/16 54/42-36/8 18/42-36/24 90/42-36/8 18/42-36/40 18/42-36/56