Subtract 4/72 from 2/42
2/42 - 4/72 is -1/126.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
2/42 = 2 × 12/42 × 12 = 24/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
4/72 = 4 × 7/72 × 7 = 28/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/504 - 28/504 = 24 - 28/504 = -4/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/126
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