Subtract 4/72 from 42/9
1st number: 4 6/9, 2nd number: 4/72
42/9 - 4/72 is 83/18.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 8 = 72,
42/9 = 42 × 8/9 × 8 = 336/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
4/72 = 4 × 1/72 × 1 = 4/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
336/72 - 4/72 = 336 - 4/72 = 332/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 83/18
- In mixed form: 411/18
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/9-4/72 42/9-8/72 42/18-4/72 42/9-12/72 42/27-4/72 42/9-20/72 42/45-4/72 42/9-28/72 42/63-4/72