Subtract 72/54 from 20/42
1st number: 20/42, 2nd number: 1 18/54
20/42 - 72/54 is -6/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 54 is 378
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 378 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 9 = 378,
20/42 = 20 × 9/42 × 9 = 180/378 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 54 × 7 = 378,
72/54 = 72 × 7/54 × 7 = 504/378 - Subtract the two like fractions:
180/378 - 504/378 = 180 - 504/378 = -324/378 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -6/7
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