Subtract 21/36 from 2/42
2/42 - 21/36 is -15/28.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 36 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
2/42 = 2 × 6/42 × 6 = 12/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
21/36 = 21 × 7/36 × 7 = 147/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/252 - 147/252 = 12 - 147/252 = -135/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -15/28
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