Subtract 42/18 from 5/8
1st number: 5/8, 2nd number: 2 6/18
5/8 - 42/18 is -41/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 18 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
5/8 = 5 × 9/8 × 9 = 45/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
42/18 = 42 × 4/18 × 4 = 168/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
45/72 - 168/72 = 45 - 168/72 = -123/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -41/24
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/8-42/18 5/8-84/18 5/16-42/18 5/8-42/36 15/8-42/18 5/24-42/18 5/8-42/54 25/8-42/18 5/40-42/18 5/8-42/90 35/8-42/18 5/56-42/18