Subtract 42/18 from 25/42, Solve 25/42

Subtract 42/18 from 25/42

1^st number: 25/42, 2^nd number: 2 6/18

25/42 - 42/18 is -73/42.

Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 18 is 126

Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126
For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
25/42 = 25 × 3/42 × 3 = 75/126
Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 7 = 126,
42/18 = 42 × 7/18 × 7 = 294/126
Subtract the two like fractions:
75/126 - 294/126 = 75 - 294/126 = -219/126
After reducing the fraction, the answer is -73/42

MathStep (Works offline)

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