Subtract 40/60 from 72/42
1st number: 1 30/42, 2nd number: 40/60
72/42 - 40/60 is 22/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 60 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
72/42 = 72 × 10/42 × 10 = 720/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 60 × 7 = 420,
40/60 = 40 × 7/60 × 7 = 280/420 - Subtract the two like fractions:
720/420 - 280/420 = 720 - 280/420 = 440/420 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 22/21
- In mixed form: 11/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/42-80/60 72/84-40/60