Subtract 12/36 from 72/42
1st number: 1 30/42, 2nd number: 12/36
72/42 - 12/36 is 29/21.
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,
72/42 = 72 × 6/42 × 6 = 432/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
12/36 = 12 × 7/36 × 7 = 84/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
432/252 - 84/252 = 432 - 84/252 = 348/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 29/21
- In mixed form: 18/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/42-24/36 72/84-12/36 72/42-12/72 72/42-60/36 72/42-84/36