Subtract 42/72 from 3/36
3/36 - 42/72 is -1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 2 = 72,
3/36 = 3 × 2/36 × 2 = 6/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
42/72 = 42 × 1/72 × 1 = 42/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
6/72 - 42/72 = 6 - 42/72 = -36/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/2
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