Subtract 72/6 from 5/42
1st number: 5/42, 2nd number: 12 0/6
5/42 - 72/6 is -499/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 6 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
5/42 = 5 × 1/42 × 1 = 5/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 6 × 7 = 42,
72/6 = 72 × 7/6 × 7 = 504/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
5/42 - 504/42 = 5 - 504/42 = -499/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/42-72/6 5/84-72/6 5/42-72/12 15/42-72/6 5/42-72/18 25/42-72/6 5/42-72/30 35/42-72/6 5/42-72/42