Subtract 42/72 from 7/27
7/27 - 42/72 is -35/108.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 27 and 72 is 216
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 216 - For the 1st fraction, since 27 × 8 = 216,
7/27 = 7 × 8/27 × 8 = 56/216 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 3 = 216,
42/72 = 42 × 3/72 × 3 = 126/216 - Subtract the two like fractions:
56/216 - 126/216 = 56 - 126/216 = -70/216 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -35/108
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 14/27-42/72 7/27-84/72 7/54-42/72 21/27-42/72 7/81-42/72 35/27-42/72 49/27-42/72