Subtract 42/15 from 5/72
1st number: 5/72, 2nd number: 2 12/15
5/72 - 42/15 is -983/360.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 15 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
5/72 = 5 × 5/72 × 5 = 25/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 24 = 360,
42/15 = 42 × 24/15 × 24 = 1008/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
25/360 - 1008/360 = 25 - 1008/360 = -983/360
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/72-42/15 5/72-84/15 5/72-42/30 15/72-42/15 5/72-42/45 25/72-42/15 5/72-42/75 35/72-42/15