Subtract 42/56 from 2/18
2/18 - 42/56 is -23/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 56 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 28 = 504,
2/18 = 2 × 28/18 × 28 = 56/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 9 = 504,
42/56 = 42 × 9/56 × 9 = 378/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
56/504 - 378/504 = 56 - 378/504 = -322/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -23/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/18-42/56 2/18-84/56 2/36-42/56 6/18-42/56 2/54-42/56 10/18-42/56 2/90-42/56 14/18-42/56