Subtract 42/27 from 72/18
1st number: 4 0/18, 2nd number: 1 15/27
72/18 - 42/27 is 22/9.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 27 is 54
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 54 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 3 = 54,
72/18 = 72 × 3/18 × 3 = 216/54 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 2 = 54,
42/27 = 42 × 2/27 × 2 = 84/54 - Subtract the two like fractions:
216/54 - 84/54 = 216 - 84/54 = 132/54 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 22/9
- In mixed form: 24/9
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/18-84/27 72/36-42/27 72/18-42/54 72/54-42/27 72/18-42/81 72/90-42/27