Subtract 42/72 from 56/18
1st number: 3 2/18, 2nd number: 42/72
56/18 - 42/72 is 91/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
56/18 = 56 × 4/18 × 4 = 224/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
42/72 = 42 × 1/72 × 1 = 42/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
224/72 - 42/72 = 224 - 42/72 = 182/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 91/36
- In mixed form: 219/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 56/18-84/72 56/36-42/72 56/54-42/72 56/90-42/72