Subtract 21/72 from 42/2
1st number: 21 0/2, 2nd number: 21/72
42/2 - 21/72 is 497/24.
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,
21/72 = 21 × 1/72 × 1 = 21/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
1512/72 - 21/72 = 1512 - 21/72 = 1491/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 497/24
- In mixed form: 2017/24
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/2-21/72 42/2-42/72 42/4-21/72 42/2-63/72 42/6-21/72 42/10-21/72 42/14-21/72