Subtract 72/42 from 50/35
1st number: 1 15/35, 2nd number: 1 30/42
50/35 - 72/42 is -2/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 35 and 42 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 35 × 6 = 210,
50/35 = 50 × 6/35 × 6 = 300/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
72/42 = 72 × 5/42 × 5 = 360/210 - Subtract the two like fractions:
300/210 - 360/210 = 300 - 360/210 = -60/210 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/7
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 50/70-72/42 50/35-72/84