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Subtract 5/18 from 4/42

4/42 - 5/18 is -23/126.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. 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
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
    4/42 = 4 × 3/42 × 3 = 12/126
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 7 = 126,
    5/18 = 5 × 7/18 × 7 = 35/126
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    12/126 - 35/126 = 12 - 35/126 = -23/126

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