Subtract 27/42 from 18/72
18/72 - 27/42 is -11/28.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 42 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
18/72 = 18 × 7/72 × 7 = 126/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
27/42 = 27 × 12/42 × 12 = 324/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/504 - 324/504 = 126 - 324/504 = -198/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/28
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/72-27/42 18/72-54/42 18/72-27/84 54/72-27/42 18/72-81/42 90/72-27/42