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Subtract 42/15 from 36/16

1st number: 2 4/16, 2nd number: 2 12/15

36/16 - 42/15 is -11/20.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 16 and 15 is 240

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 15 = 240,
    36/16 = 36 × 15/16 × 15 = 540/240
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 16 = 240,
    42/15 = 42 × 16/15 × 16 = 672/240
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    540/240 - 672/240 = 540 - 672/240 = -132/240
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/20

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