Subtract 72/42 from 54/32
1st number: 1 22/32, 2nd number: 1 30/42
54/32 - 72/42 is -3/112.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 32 and 42 is 672
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 672 - For the 1st fraction, since 32 × 21 = 672,
54/32 = 54 × 21/32 × 21 = 1134/672 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 16 = 672,
72/42 = 72 × 16/42 × 16 = 1152/672 - Subtract the two like fractions:
1134/672 - 1152/672 = 1134 - 1152/672 = -18/672 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/112
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 54/64-72/42 54/32-72/84 54/96-72/42