Subtract 18/36 from 2/16
2/16 - 18/36 is -3/8.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 36 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
2/16 = 2 × 9/16 × 9 = 18/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 4 = 144,
18/36 = 18 × 4/36 × 4 = 72/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
18/144 - 72/144 = 18 - 72/144 = -54/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/16-18/36 2/32-18/36 2/16-18/72 6/16-18/36 2/16-54/36 2/48-18/36 10/16-18/36 2/16-90/36 2/80-18/36 14/16-18/36