Subtract 72/9 from 40/42
1st number: 40/42, 2nd number: 8 0/9
40/42 - 72/9 is -148/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 9 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
40/42 = 40 × 3/42 × 3 = 120/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 14 = 126,
72/9 = 72 × 14/9 × 14 = 1008/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
120/126 - 1008/126 = 120 - 1008/126 = -888/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -148/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/42-72/9 40/84-72/9 40/42-72/18 40/42-72/27 40/42-72/45 40/42-72/63