Subtract 12/72 from 3/42
3/42 - 12/72 is -2/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
3/42 = 3 × 12/42 × 12 = 36/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
12/72 = 12 × 7/72 × 7 = 84/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/504 - 84/504 = 36 - 84/504 = -48/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/21
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