Subtract 72/84 from 3/42
3/42 - 72/84 is -11/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 84 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
3/42 = 3 × 2/42 × 2 = 6/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 84 × 1 = 84,
72/84 = 72 × 1/84 × 1 = 72/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
6/84 - 72/84 = 6 - 72/84 = -66/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/14
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/42-72/84 3/84-72/84 9/42-72/84 15/42-72/84 21/42-72/84