How do you subtract and simplify 5 over 18 minus 7 over 24?

Answer 1

In order to subtract, the denominators must be the same.

The easiest way is to multiply 18 and 24, which equals 432.

You will also have to multiply the numerators. Think of it like this: 24*(5/18) and 28*(7/24). You are multiplying the fraction as a whole.

So, 24*5=120 and 18*7=126

Now the fractions are 120/432 and 126/432. Subtract them, and you get -6/432.

To simplify, find a common number that both the numerator and denominator can divide by. Let's try 6. -6/6 = -1, and 432/6 = 72.

Your simplified fraction is -1/72.