Subtract 12/42 from 42/18
1st number: 2 6/18, 2nd number: 12/42
42/18 - 12/42 is 43/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 42 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 7 = 126,
42/18 = 42 × 7/18 × 7 = 294/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
12/42 = 12 × 3/42 × 3 = 36/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
294/126 - 36/126 = 294 - 36/126 = 258/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 43/21
- In mixed form: 21/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/18-12/42 42/18-24/42 42/36-12/42 42/18-12/84 42/18-36/42 42/54-12/42 42/18-60/42 42/90-12/42 42/18-84/42