Subtract 48/72 from 54/42
1st number: 1 12/42, 2nd number: 48/72
54/42 - 48/72 is 13/21.
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,
54/42 = 54 × 12/42 × 12 = 648/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
48/72 = 48 × 7/72 × 7 = 336/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
648/504 - 336/504 = 648 - 336/504 = 312/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 13/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 54/42-96/72 54/84-48/72