Subtract 45/12 from 42/18
1st number: 2 6/18, 2nd number: 3 9/12
42/18 - 45/12 is -17/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 12 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 2 = 36,
42/18 = 42 × 2/18 × 2 = 84/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
45/12 = 45 × 3/12 × 3 = 135/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
84/36 - 135/36 = 84 - 135/36 = -51/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/12
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