Subtract 42/72 from 1/5
1/5 - 42/72 is -23/60.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 72 = 360,
1/5 = 1 × 72/5 × 72 = 72/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
42/72 = 42 × 5/72 × 5 = 210/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
72/360 - 210/360 = 72 - 210/360 = -138/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -23/60
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/5-42/72 1/5-84/72 1/10-42/72 3/5-42/72 1/15-42/72 1/25-42/72 7/5-42/72 1/35-42/72