Subtract 5/72 from 42/56
42/56 - 5/72 is 49/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 9 = 504,
42/56 = 42 × 9/56 × 9 = 378/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
5/72 = 5 × 7/72 × 7 = 35/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
378/504 - 35/504 = 378 - 35/504 = 343/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 49/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/56-5/72 42/56-10/72 42/56-15/72 42/56-25/72 42/56-35/72