Subtract 1/42 from 54/72
54/72 - 1/42 is 61/84.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 42 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
54/72 = 54 × 7/72 × 7 = 378/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
1/42 = 1 × 12/42 × 12 = 12/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
378/504 - 12/504 = 378 - 12/504 = 366/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 61/84
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 54/72-2/42 54/72-1/84 54/72-3/42 54/72-5/42 54/72-7/42