Subtract 49/42 from 21/36
1st number: 21/36, 2nd number: 1 7/42
21/36 - 49/42 is -7/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 42 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
21/36 = 21 × 7/36 × 7 = 147/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
49/42 = 49 × 6/42 × 6 = 294/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
147/252 - 294/252 = 147 - 294/252 = -147/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/12
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