Subtract 2/72 from 3/42
3/42 - 2/72 is 11/252.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
3/42 = 3 × 12/42 × 12 = 36/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
2/72 = 2 × 7/72 × 7 = 14/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/504 - 14/504 = 36 - 14/504 = 22/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 11/252
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/42-2/72 3/42-4/72 3/84-2/72 9/42-2/72 3/42-6/72 15/42-2/72 3/42-10/72 21/42-2/72 3/42-14/72