Subtract 42/72 from 4/18
4/18 - 42/72 is -13/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
4/18 = 4 × 4/18 × 4 = 16/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
42/72 = 42 × 1/72 × 1 = 42/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
16/72 - 42/72 = 16 - 42/72 = -26/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -13/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/18-42/72 4/18-84/72 4/36-42/72 12/18-42/72 4/54-42/72 20/18-42/72 4/90-42/72 28/18-42/72