Subtract 42/16 from 3/18
1st number: 3/18, 2nd number: 2 10/16
3/18 - 42/16 is -59/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 8 = 144,
3/18 = 3 × 8/18 × 8 = 24/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
42/16 = 42 × 9/16 × 9 = 378/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/144 - 378/144 = 24 - 378/144 = -354/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -59/24
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/18-42/16 3/18-84/16 3/36-42/16 3/18-42/32 9/18-42/16 3/54-42/16 3/18-42/48 15/18-42/16 3/90-42/16 3/18-42/80 21/18-42/16