Subtract 36/45 from 72/42
1st number: 1 30/42, 2nd number: 36/45
72/42 - 36/45 is 32/35.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 45 is 630
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 630 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 15 = 630,
72/42 = 72 × 15/42 × 15 = 1080/630 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 14 = 630,
36/45 = 36 × 14/45 × 14 = 504/630 - Subtract the two like fractions:
1080/630 - 504/630 = 1080 - 504/630 = 576/630 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 32/35
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/42-72/45 72/84-36/45 72/42-36/90