Subtract 27/72 from 5/42
5/42 - 27/72 is -43/168.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
5/42 = 5 × 12/42 × 12 = 60/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
27/72 = 27 × 7/72 × 7 = 189/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/504 - 189/504 = 60 - 189/504 = -129/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -43/168
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/42-27/72 5/42-54/72 5/84-27/72 15/42-27/72 5/42-81/72 25/42-27/72 35/42-27/72