Subtract 15/12 from 42/72
1st number: 42/72, 2nd number: 1 3/12
42/72 - 15/12 is -2/3.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 12 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
42/72 = 42 × 1/72 × 1 = 42/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 6 = 72,
15/12 = 15 × 6/12 × 6 = 90/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/72 - 90/72 = 42 - 90/72 = -48/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/3
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/72-15/12 42/72-30/12 42/72-15/24 42/72-45/12 42/72-15/36 42/72-75/12 42/72-15/60 42/72-15/84