Subtract 15/42 from 5/18
5/18 - 15/42 is -5/63.
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,
5/18 = 5 × 7/18 × 7 = 35/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
15/42 = 15 × 3/42 × 3 = 45/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
35/126 - 45/126 = 35 - 45/126 = -10/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/63
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/18-15/42 5/18-30/42 5/36-15/42 5/18-15/84 15/18-15/42 5/18-45/42 5/54-15/42 25/18-15/42 5/18-75/42 5/90-15/42 35/18-15/42