Subtract 42/20 from 12/72
1st number: 12/72, 2nd number: 2 2/20
12/72 - 42/20 is -29/15.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 20 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
12/72 = 12 × 5/72 × 5 = 60/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 18 = 360,
42/20 = 42 × 18/20 × 18 = 756/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/360 - 756/360 = 60 - 756/360 = -696/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -29/15
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