Subtract 42/5 from 3/72
1st number: 3/72, 2nd number: 8 2/5
3/72 - 42/5 is -1003/120.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 5 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
3/72 = 3 × 5/72 × 5 = 15/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 72 = 360,
42/5 = 42 × 72/5 × 72 = 3024/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/360 - 3024/360 = 15 - 3024/360 = -3009/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1003/120
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/72-42/5 3/72-84/5 3/72-42/10 9/72-42/5 3/72-42/15 15/72-42/5 3/72-42/25 21/72-42/5 3/72-42/35