Subtract 12/72 from 42/2
1st number: 21 0/2, 2nd number: 12/72
42/2 - 12/72 is 125/6.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 36 = 72,
42/2 = 42 × 36/2 × 36 = 1512/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
12/72 = 12 × 1/72 × 1 = 12/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
1512/72 - 12/72 = 1512 - 12/72 = 1500/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 125/6
- In mixed form: 205/6
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/2-12/72 42/2-24/72 42/4-12/72 42/2-36/72 42/6-12/72 42/2-60/72 42/10-12/72 42/2-84/72 42/14-12/72