Subtract 72/42 from 40/35
1st number: 1 5/35, 2nd number: 1 30/42
40/35 - 72/42 is -4/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 35 and 42 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 35 × 6 = 210,
40/35 = 40 × 6/35 × 6 = 240/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
72/42 = 72 × 5/42 × 5 = 360/210 - Subtract the two like fractions:
240/210 - 360/210 = 240 - 360/210 = -120/210 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -4/7
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/35-72/42 40/70-72/42 40/35-72/84