Subtract 9/72 from 42/12
1st number: 3 6/12, 2nd number: 9/72
42/12 - 9/72 is 27/8.
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,
9/72 = 9 × 1/72 × 1 = 9/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
252/72 - 9/72 = 252 - 9/72 = 243/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 27/8
- In mixed form: 33/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/12-9/72 42/12-18/72 42/24-9/72 42/12-27/72 42/36-9/72 42/12-45/72 42/60-9/72 42/12-63/72 42/84-9/72