Subtract 15/72 from 4/42
4/42 - 15/72 is -19/168.
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,
4/42 = 4 × 12/42 × 12 = 48/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
15/72 = 15 × 7/72 × 7 = 105/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
48/504 - 105/504 = 48 - 105/504 = -57/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -19/168
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/42-15/72 4/42-30/72 4/84-15/72 12/42-15/72 4/42-45/72 20/42-15/72 4/42-75/72 28/42-15/72