Subtract 42/8 from 2/18
1st number: 2/18, 2nd number: 5 2/8
2/18 - 42/8 is -185/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 8 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
2/18 = 2 × 4/18 × 4 = 8/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
42/8 = 42 × 9/8 × 9 = 378/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
8/72 - 378/72 = 8 - 378/72 = -370/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -185/36
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