Subtract 14/20 from 42/72
42/72 - 14/20 is -7/60.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 20 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
42/72 = 42 × 5/72 × 5 = 210/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 18 = 360,
14/20 = 14 × 18/20 × 18 = 252/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/360 - 252/360 = 210 - 252/360 = -42/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/60
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/72-14/20 42/72-28/20 42/72-14/40 42/72-42/20 42/72-14/60 42/72-70/20 42/72-98/20