Subtract 42/72 from 1/3
1/3 - 42/72 is -1/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 24 = 72,
1/3 = 1 × 24/3 × 24 = 24/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
42/72 = 42 × 1/72 × 1 = 42/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/72 - 42/72 = 24 - 42/72 = -18/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/4
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