Subtract 72/48 from 18/42
1st number: 18/42, 2nd number: 1 24/48
18/42 - 72/48 is -15/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 48 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
18/42 = 18 × 8/42 × 8 = 144/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
72/48 = 72 × 7/48 × 7 = 504/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
144/336 - 504/336 = 144 - 504/336 = -360/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -15/14
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