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