Subtract 42/72 from 3/10
3/10 - 42/72 is -17/60.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 10 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 10 × 36 = 360,
3/10 = 3 × 36/10 × 36 = 108/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
42/72 = 42 × 5/72 × 5 = 210/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
108/360 - 210/360 = 108 - 210/360 = -102/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/60
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/10-42/72 3/10-84/72 3/20-42/72 9/10-42/72 3/30-42/72 15/10-42/72 3/50-42/72 21/10-42/72 3/70-42/72