Subtract 27/72 from 42/18
1st number: 2 6/18, 2nd number: 27/72
42/18 - 27/72 is 47/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
42/18 = 42 × 4/18 × 4 = 168/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
27/72 = 27 × 1/72 × 1 = 27/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
168/72 - 27/72 = 168 - 27/72 = 141/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 47/24
- In mixed form: 123/24
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/18-27/72 42/18-54/72 42/36-27/72 42/18-81/72 42/54-27/72 42/90-27/72