Subtract 24/18 from 42/12
1st number: 3 6/12, 2nd number: 1 6/18
42/12 - 24/18 is 13/6.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 18 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
42/12 = 42 × 3/12 × 3 = 126/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 2 = 36,
24/18 = 24 × 2/18 × 2 = 48/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/36 - 48/36 = 126 - 48/36 = 78/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 13/6
- In mixed form: 21/6
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/12-24/18 42/12-48/18 42/24-24/18 42/12-24/36 42/12-72/18 42/36-24/18 42/12-24/54 42/60-24/18 42/12-24/90 42/84-24/18