Subtract 42/72 from 5/49
5/49 - 42/72 is -283/588.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 49 and 72 is 3528
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 3528 - For the 1st fraction, since 49 × 72 = 3528,
5/49 = 5 × 72/49 × 72 = 360/3528 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 49 = 3528,
42/72 = 42 × 49/72 × 49 = 2058/3528 - Subtract the two like fractions:
360/3528 - 2058/3528 = 360 - 2058/3528 = -1698/3528 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -283/588
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/49-42/72 5/49-84/72 5/98-42/72 15/49-42/72 25/49-42/72 35/49-42/72