Subtract 5/18 from 42/36
1st number: 1 6/36, 2nd number: 5/18
42/36 - 5/18 is 8/9.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 18 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 1 = 36,
42/36 = 42 × 1/36 × 1 = 42/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 2 = 36,
5/18 = 5 × 2/18 × 2 = 10/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/36 - 10/36 = 42 - 10/36 = 32/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 8/9
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/36-5/18 42/36-10/18 42/72-5/18 42/36-5/36 42/36-15/18 42/36-5/54 42/36-25/18 42/36-5/90 42/36-35/18