Subtract 2/18 from 3/42
3/42 - 2/18 is -5/126.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- 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,
3/42 = 3 × 3/42 × 3 = 9/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 7 = 126,
2/18 = 2 × 7/18 × 7 = 14/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
9/126 - 14/126 = 9 - 14/126 = -5/126
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