Subtract 42/18 from 3/42
1st number: 3/42, 2nd number: 2 6/18
3/42 - 42/18 is -95/42.
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,
42/18 = 42 × 7/18 × 7 = 294/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
9/126 - 294/126 = 9 - 294/126 = -285/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -95/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/42-42/18 3/42-84/18 3/84-42/18 3/42-42/36 9/42-42/18 3/42-42/54 15/42-42/18 3/42-42/90 21/42-42/18