Subtract 18/72 from 50/42
1st number: 1 8/42, 2nd number: 18/72
50/42 - 18/72 is 79/84.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
50/42 = 50 × 12/42 × 12 = 600/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
18/72 = 18 × 7/72 × 7 = 126/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
600/504 - 126/504 = 600 - 126/504 = 474/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 79/84
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 50/42-36/72 50/84-18/72 50/42-54/72 50/42-90/72