Subtract 15/54 from 42/72
42/72 - 15/54 is 11/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 54 is 216
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 216 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 3 = 216,
42/72 = 42 × 3/72 × 3 = 126/216 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 54 × 4 = 216,
15/54 = 15 × 4/54 × 4 = 60/216 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/216 - 60/216 = 126 - 60/216 = 66/216 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 11/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/72-15/54 42/72-30/54 42/72-45/54 42/72-75/54