Subtract 72/36 from 7/42
1st number: 7/42, 2nd number: 2 0/36
7/42 - 72/36 is -11/6.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
7/42 = 7 × 6/42 × 6 = 42/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
72/36 = 72 × 7/36 × 7 = 504/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/252 - 504/252 = 42 - 504/252 = -462/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/6
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 14/42-72/36 7/84-72/36 21/42-72/36 35/42-72/36 49/42-72/36