Subtract 42/9 from 72/5
1st number: 14 2/5, 2nd number: 4 6/9
72/5 - 42/9 is 146/15.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 9 is 45
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 45 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 9 = 45,
72/5 = 72 × 9/5 × 9 = 648/45 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 5 = 45,
42/9 = 42 × 5/9 × 5 = 210/45 - Subtract the two like fractions:
648/45 - 210/45 = 648 - 210/45 = 438/45 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 146/15
- In mixed form: 911/15
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/5-84/9 72/10-42/9 72/5-42/18 72/15-42/9 72/5-42/27 72/25-42/9 72/5-42/45 72/35-42/9 72/5-42/63