Subtract 2/42 from 36/84
36/84 - 2/42 is 8/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 42 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 1 = 84,
36/84 = 36 × 1/84 × 1 = 36/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
2/42 = 2 × 2/42 × 2 = 4/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/84 - 4/84 = 36 - 4/84 = 32/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 8/21
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