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Subtract 5/9 from 42/12

1st number: 3 6/12, 2nd number: 5/9

42/12 - 5/9 is 53/18.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 12 and 9 is 36

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
    42/12 = 42 × 3/12 × 3 = 126/36
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 4 = 36,
    5/9 = 5 × 4/9 × 4 = 20/36
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    126/36 - 20/36 = 126 - 20/36 = 106/36
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is 53/18
  6. In mixed form: 217/18

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