Subtract 27/72 from 42/12
1st number: 3 6/12, 2nd number: 27/72
42/12 - 27/72 is 25/8.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 6 = 72,
42/12 = 42 × 6/12 × 6 = 252/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
27/72 = 27 × 1/72 × 1 = 27/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
252/72 - 27/72 = 252 - 27/72 = 225/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 25/8
- In mixed form: 31/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/12-27/72 42/12-54/72 42/24-27/72 42/12-81/72 42/36-27/72 42/60-27/72 42/84-27/72