Subtract 36/42 from 2/5
2/5 - 36/42 is -16/35.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 42 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 42 = 210,
2/5 = 2 × 42/5 × 42 = 84/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
36/42 = 36 × 5/42 × 5 = 180/210 - Subtract the two like fractions:
84/210 - 180/210 = 84 - 180/210 = -96/210 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -16/35
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