Subtract 42/9 from 72/12
1st number: 6 0/12, 2nd number: 4 6/9
72/12 - 42/9 is 4/3.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 9 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
72/12 = 72 × 3/12 × 3 = 216/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 4 = 36,
42/9 = 42 × 4/9 × 4 = 168/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
216/36 - 168/36 = 216 - 168/36 = 48/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 4/3
- In mixed form: 11/3
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/12-84/9 72/24-42/9 72/12-42/18 72/36-42/9 72/12-42/27 72/60-42/9 72/12-42/45 72/84-42/9 72/12-42/63