Subtract 42/5 from 72/3
1st number: 24 0/3, 2nd number: 8 2/5
72/3 - 42/5 is 78/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 5 is 15
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 15 - For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 5 = 15,
72/3 = 72 × 5/3 × 5 = 360/15 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 3 = 15,
42/5 = 42 × 3/5 × 3 = 126/15 - Subtract the two like fractions:
360/15 - 126/15 = 360 - 126/15 = 234/15 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 78/5
- In mixed form: 153/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/3-84/5 72/6-42/5 72/3-42/10 72/9-42/5 72/3-42/15 72/15-42/5 72/3-42/25 72/21-42/5 72/3-42/35