Subtract 72/54 from 24/42
1st number: 24/42, 2nd number: 1 18/54
24/42 - 72/54 is -16/21.
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,
24/42 = 24 × 9/42 × 9 = 216/378 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 54 × 7 = 378,
72/54 = 72 × 7/54 × 7 = 504/378 - Subtract the two like fractions:
216/378 - 504/378 = 216 - 504/378 = -288/378 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -16/21
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