Subtract 3/72 from 42/20
1st number: 2 2/20, 2nd number: 3/72
42/20 - 3/72 is 247/120.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 18 = 360,
42/20 = 42 × 18/20 × 18 = 756/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
3/72 = 3 × 5/72 × 5 = 15/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
756/360 - 15/360 = 756 - 15/360 = 741/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 247/120
- In mixed form: 27/120
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/20-3/72 42/20-6/72 42/40-3/72 42/20-9/72 42/60-3/72 42/20-15/72 42/20-21/72