Subtract 9/72 from 42/2
1st number: 21 0/2, 2nd number: 9/72
42/2 - 9/72 is 167/8.
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,
9/72 = 9 × 1/72 × 1 = 9/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
1512/72 - 9/72 = 1512 - 9/72 = 1503/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 167/8
- In mixed form: 207/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/2-9/72 42/2-18/72 42/4-9/72 42/2-27/72 42/6-9/72 42/2-45/72 42/10-9/72 42/2-63/72 42/14-9/72