Subtract 72/42 from 16/12
1st number: 1 4/12, 2nd number: 1 30/42
16/12 - 72/42 is -8/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 42 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
16/12 = 16 × 7/12 × 7 = 112/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
72/42 = 72 × 2/42 × 2 = 144/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
112/84 - 144/84 = 112 - 144/84 = -32/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -8/21
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