Subtract 42/5 from 2/72
1st number: 2/72, 2nd number: 8 2/5
2/72 - 42/5 is -1507/180.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 5 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
2/72 = 2 × 5/72 × 5 = 10/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 72 = 360,
42/5 = 42 × 72/5 × 72 = 3024/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
10/360 - 3024/360 = 10 - 3024/360 = -3014/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1507/180
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/72-42/5 2/72-84/5 2/72-42/10 6/72-42/5 2/72-42/15 10/72-42/5 2/72-42/25 14/72-42/5 2/72-42/35