Subtract 36/18 from 50/42
1st number: 1 8/42, 2nd number: 2 0/18
50/42 - 36/18 is -17/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 18 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
50/42 = 50 × 3/42 × 3 = 150/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 7 = 126,
36/18 = 36 × 7/18 × 7 = 252/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
150/126 - 252/126 = 150 - 252/126 = -102/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/21
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