Subtract 42/72 from 45/3
1st number: 15 0/3, 2nd number: 42/72
45/3 - 42/72 is 173/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 24 = 72,
45/3 = 45 × 24/3 × 24 = 1080/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
42/72 = 42 × 1/72 × 1 = 42/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
1080/72 - 42/72 = 1080 - 42/72 = 1038/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 173/12
- In mixed form: 145/12
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 90/3-42/72 45/3-84/72 45/6-42/72 45/9-42/72 45/15-42/72 45/21-42/72