Subtract 14/8 from 72/42
1st number: 1 30/42, 2nd number: 1 6/8
72/42 - 14/8 is -1/28.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 8 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
72/42 = 72 × 4/42 × 4 = 288/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
14/8 = 14 × 21/8 × 21 = 294/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
288/168 - 294/168 = 288 - 294/168 = -6/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/28
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/42-28/8 72/84-14/8 72/42-14/16 72/42-42/8 72/42-14/24 72/42-70/8 72/42-14/40 72/42-98/8 72/42-14/56