Subtract 72/84 from 2/42
2/42 - 72/84 is -17/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 84 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
2/42 = 2 × 2/42 × 2 = 4/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 84 × 1 = 84,
72/84 = 72 × 1/84 × 1 = 72/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
4/84 - 72/84 = 4 - 72/84 = -68/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/21
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