Subtract 8/72 from 42/15
1st number: 2 12/15, 2nd number: 8/72
42/15 - 8/72 is 121/45.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 24 = 360,
42/15 = 42 × 24/15 × 24 = 1008/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
8/72 = 8 × 5/72 × 5 = 40/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
1008/360 - 40/360 = 1008 - 40/360 = 968/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 121/45
- In mixed form: 231/45
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/15-8/72 42/15-16/72 42/30-8/72 42/15-24/72 42/45-8/72 42/15-40/72 42/75-8/72 42/15-56/72