Subtract 42/48 from 1/72
1/72 - 42/48 is -31/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 48 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
1/72 = 1 × 2/72 × 2 = 2/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
42/48 = 42 × 3/48 × 3 = 126/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
2/144 - 126/144 = 2 - 126/144 = -124/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -31/36
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