Subtract 3/15 from 72/42
1st number: 1 30/42, 2nd number: 3/15
72/42 - 3/15 is 53/35.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 15 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
72/42 = 72 × 5/42 × 5 = 360/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 14 = 210,
3/15 = 3 × 14/15 × 14 = 42/210 - Subtract the two like fractions:
360/210 - 42/210 = 360 - 42/210 = 318/210 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 53/35
- In mixed form: 118/35
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/42-6/15 72/84-3/15 72/42-3/30 72/42-9/15 72/42-3/45 72/42-3/75 72/42-21/15