Subtract 72/42 from 1/3
1st number: 1/3, 2nd number: 1 30/42
1/3 - 72/42 is -29/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 42 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 14 = 42,
1/3 = 1 × 14/3 × 14 = 14/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
72/42 = 72 × 1/42 × 1 = 72/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
14/42 - 72/42 = 14 - 72/42 = -58/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -29/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/3-72/42 1/6-72/42 1/3-72/84 1/9-72/42 5/3-72/42 1/15-72/42 7/3-72/42 1/21-72/42