Subtract 18/72 from 3/36
3/36 - 18/72 is -1/6.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 2 = 72,
3/36 = 3 × 2/36 × 2 = 6/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
18/72 = 18 × 1/72 × 1 = 18/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
6/72 - 18/72 = 6 - 18/72 = -12/72 - 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: 6/36-18/72 3/36-36/72 3/72-18/72 9/36-18/72 3/36-54/72 15/36-18/72 3/36-90/72 21/36-18/72