Subtract 72/84 from 1/2
1/2 - 72/84 is -5/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 84 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 42 = 84,
1/2 = 1 × 42/2 × 42 = 42/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 84 × 1 = 84,
72/84 = 72 × 1/84 × 1 = 72/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/84 - 72/84 = 42 - 72/84 = -30/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/14
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