Subtract 3/72 from 42/5
1st number: 8 2/5, 2nd number: 3/72
42/5 - 3/72 is 1003/120.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 72 = 360,
42/5 = 42 × 72/5 × 72 = 3024/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
3/72 = 3 × 5/72 × 5 = 15/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
3024/360 - 15/360 = 3024 - 15/360 = 3009/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 1003/120
- In mixed form: 843/120
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/5-3/72 42/5-6/72 42/10-3/72 42/5-9/72 42/15-3/72 42/5-15/72 42/25-3/72 42/5-21/72 42/35-3/72