Subtract 25/18 from 42/72
1st number: 42/72, 2nd number: 1 7/18
42/72 - 25/18 is -29/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 18 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 18 × 4 = 72,
25/18 = 25 × 4/18 × 4 = 100/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/72 - 100/72 = 42 - 100/72 = -58/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -29/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/72-25/18 42/72-50/18 42/72-25/36 42/72-75/18 42/72-25/54 42/72-25/90