Answers

Subtract 42/72 from 20/15

1^st number: 1 5/15, 2^nd number: 42/72

20/15 - 42/72 is 3/4.

Steps for subtracting fractions

1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
   LCM of 15 and 72 is 360
   
   Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360
2. For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 24 = 360,
   20/15 = 20 × 24/15 × 24 = 480/360
3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
   42/72 = 42 × 5/72 × 5 = 210/360
4. Subtract the two like fractions:
   480/360 - 210/360 = 480 - 210/360 = 270/360
5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is 3/4

MathStep (Works offline)

Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad

Related: ⁴⁰/₁₅-⁴²/₇₂ ²⁰/₁₅-⁸⁴/₇₂ ²⁰/₃₀-⁴²/₇₂ ⁶⁰/₁₅-⁴²/₇₂ ²⁰/₄₅-⁴²/₇₂ ²⁰/₇₅-⁴²/₇₂

Subtract Fractions Calculator