Subtract 42/28 from 5/72, Solve 5/72

Subtract 42/28 from 5/72

1^st number: 5/72, 2^nd number: 1 14/28

5/72 - 42/28 is -103/72.

Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 28 is 504

Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504
For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
5/72 = 5 × 7/72 × 7 = 35/504
Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 28 × 18 = 504,
42/28 = 42 × 18/28 × 18 = 756/504
Subtract the two like fractions:
35/504 - 756/504 = 35 - 756/504 = -721/504
After reducing the fraction, the answer is -103/72

MathStep (Works offline)

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