Subtract 42/72 from 4/9
4/9 - 42/72 is -5/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 8 = 72,
4/9 = 4 × 8/9 × 8 = 32/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
42/72 = 42 × 1/72 × 1 = 42/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
32/72 - 42/72 = 32 - 42/72 = -10/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/36
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