Subtract 48/54 from 18/42
18/42 - 48/54 is -29/63.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 54 is 378
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 378 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 9 = 378,
18/42 = 18 × 9/42 × 9 = 162/378 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 54 × 7 = 378,
48/54 = 48 × 7/54 × 7 = 336/378 - Subtract the two like fractions:
162/378 - 336/378 = 162 - 336/378 = -174/378 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -29/63
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/42-48/54 18/42-96/54 18/84-48/54 54/42-48/54 90/42-48/54