Subtract 42/36 from 15/45
1st number: 15/45, 2nd number: 1 6/36
15/45 - 42/36 is -5/6.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
15/45 = 15 × 4/45 × 4 = 60/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
42/36 = 42 × 5/36 × 5 = 210/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/180 - 210/180 = 60 - 210/180 = -150/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/6
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