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Subtract 4/72 from 1/42

1/42 - 4/72 is -2/63.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 42 and 72 is 504

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
    1/42 = 1 × 12/42 × 12 = 12/504
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
    4/72 = 4 × 7/72 × 7 = 28/504
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    12/504 - 28/504 = 12 - 28/504 = -16/504
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/63

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