Answers

Solutions by everydaycalculation.com

Answers.everydaycalculation.com » Subtract fractions

Subtract 42/18 from 20/81

1st number: 20/81, 2nd number: 2 6/18

20/81 - 42/18 is -169/81.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 81 and 18 is 162

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 162
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 81 × 2 = 162,
    20/81 = 20 × 2/81 × 2 = 40/162
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 9 = 162,
    42/18 = 42 × 9/18 × 9 = 378/162
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    40/162 - 378/162 = 40 - 378/162 = -338/162
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -169/81

MathStep (Works offline)

Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad

Related:

© everydaycalculation.com