Subtract 72/42 from 4/3
1st number: 1 1/3, 2nd number: 1 30/42
4/3 - 72/42 is -8/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 42 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 14 = 42,
4/3 = 4 × 14/3 × 14 = 56/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
72/42 = 72 × 1/42 × 1 = 72/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
56/42 - 72/42 = 56 - 72/42 = -16/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -8/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/3-72/42 4/6-72/42 4/3-72/84 12/3-72/42 4/9-72/42 20/3-72/42 4/15-72/42 28/3-72/42 4/21-72/42