Subtract 3/72 from 42/16
1st number: 2 10/16, 2nd number: 3/72
42/16 - 3/72 is 31/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 72 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
42/16 = 42 × 9/16 × 9 = 378/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
3/72 = 3 × 2/72 × 2 = 6/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
378/144 - 6/144 = 378 - 6/144 = 372/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 31/12
- In mixed form: 27/12
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