Subtract 50/42 from 18/54
1st number: 18/54, 2nd number: 1 8/42
18/54 - 50/42 is -6/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 54 and 42 is 378
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 378 - For the 1st fraction, since 54 × 7 = 378,
18/54 = 18 × 7/54 × 7 = 126/378 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 9 = 378,
50/42 = 50 × 9/42 × 9 = 450/378 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/378 - 450/378 = 126 - 450/378 = -324/378 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -6/7
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/54-50/42 18/54-50/84 90/54-50/42