Subtract 72/21 from 40/6
1st number: 6 4/6, 2nd number: 3 9/21
40/6 - 72/21 is 68/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 6 and 21 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 6 × 7 = 42,
40/6 = 40 × 7/6 × 7 = 280/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
72/21 = 72 × 2/21 × 2 = 144/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
280/42 - 144/42 = 280 - 144/42 = 136/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 68/21
- In mixed form: 35/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/6-72/21 40/12-72/21 40/6-72/42 40/18-72/21 40/6-72/63 40/30-72/21 40/42-72/21