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Subtract 20/42 from 12/54

12/54 - 20/42 is -16/63.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 54 and 42 is 378

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 378
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 54 × 7 = 378,
    12/54 = 12 × 7/54 × 7 = 84/378
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 9 = 378,
    20/42 = 20 × 9/42 × 9 = 180/378
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    84/378 - 180/378 = 84 - 180/378 = -96/378
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -16/63

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