Subtract 9/72 from 2/42
2/42 - 9/72 is -13/168.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
2/42 = 2 × 12/42 × 12 = 24/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
9/72 = 9 × 7/72 × 7 = 63/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/504 - 63/504 = 24 - 63/504 = -39/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -13/168
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/42-9/72 2/42-18/72 2/84-9/72 6/42-9/72 2/42-27/72 10/42-9/72 2/42-45/72 14/42-9/72 2/42-63/72