Answers

Solutions by everydaycalculation.com

Answers.everydaycalculation.com » Subtract fractions

Subtract 72/20 from 5/42

1st number: 5/42, 2nd number: 3 12/20

5/42 - 72/20 is -731/210.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 42 and 20 is 420

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
    5/42 = 5 × 10/42 × 10 = 50/420
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
    72/20 = 72 × 21/20 × 21 = 1512/420
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    50/420 - 1512/420 = 50 - 1512/420 = -1462/420
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -731/210

MathStep (Works offline)

Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad

Related:

© everydaycalculation.com