Subtract 42/18 from 40/48
1st number: 40/48, 2nd number: 2 6/18
40/48 - 42/18 is -3/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 18 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
40/48 = 40 × 3/48 × 3 = 120/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 8 = 144,
42/18 = 42 × 8/18 × 8 = 336/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
120/144 - 336/144 = 120 - 336/144 = -216/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/2
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