Subtract 5/72 from 1/42
1/42 - 5/72 is -23/504.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- 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 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
1/42 = 1 × 12/42 × 12 = 12/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
5/72 = 5 × 7/72 × 7 = 35/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/504 - 35/504 = 12 - 35/504 = -23/504
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