Subtract 16/42 from 6/18
6/18 - 16/42 is -1/21.
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,
6/18 = 6 × 7/18 × 7 = 42/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
16/42 = 16 × 3/42 × 3 = 48/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/126 - 48/126 = 42 - 48/126 = -6/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 12/18-16/42 6/18-32/42 6/36-16/42 6/18-16/84 6/18-48/42 6/54-16/42 30/18-16/42 6/18-80/42 6/90-16/42 42/18-16/42