Subtract 5/81 from 42/18
1st number: 2 6/18, 2nd number: 5/81
42/18 - 5/81 is 184/81.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 81 is 162
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 162 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 9 = 162,
42/18 = 42 × 9/18 × 9 = 378/162 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 81 × 2 = 162,
5/81 = 5 × 2/81 × 2 = 10/162 - Subtract the two like fractions:
378/162 - 10/162 = 378 - 10/162 = 368/162 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 184/81
- In mixed form: 222/81
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/18-5/81 42/18-10/81 42/36-5/81 42/18-15/81 42/54-5/81 42/18-25/81 42/90-5/81 42/18-35/81