Subtract 42/72 from 21/15
1st number: 1 6/15, 2nd number: 42/72
21/15 - 42/72 is 49/60.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- 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 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 24 = 360,
21/15 = 21 × 24/15 × 24 = 504/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
42/72 = 42 × 5/72 × 5 = 210/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
504/360 - 210/360 = 504 - 210/360 = 294/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 49/60
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/15-42/72 21/15-84/72 21/30-42/72 63/15-42/72 21/45-42/72 21/75-42/72