Subtract 72/28 from 7/42
1st number: 7/42, 2nd number: 2 16/28
7/42 - 72/28 is -101/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 28 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
7/42 = 7 × 2/42 × 2 = 14/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 28 × 3 = 84,
72/28 = 72 × 3/28 × 3 = 216/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
14/84 - 216/84 = 14 - 216/84 = -202/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -101/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 14/42-72/28 7/84-72/28 7/42-72/56 21/42-72/28 7/42-72/84 35/42-72/28 49/42-72/28