Subtract 40/36 from 12/42
1st number: 12/42, 2nd number: 1 4/36
12/42 - 40/36 is -52/63.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
12/42 = 12 × 6/42 × 6 = 72/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
40/36 = 40 × 7/36 × 7 = 280/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
72/252 - 280/252 = 72 - 280/252 = -208/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -52/63
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