Subtract 18/72 from 42/2
1st number: 21 0/2, 2nd number: 18/72
42/2 - 18/72 is 83/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 36 = 72,
42/2 = 42 × 36/2 × 36 = 1512/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
18/72 = 18 × 1/72 × 1 = 18/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
1512/72 - 18/72 = 1512 - 18/72 = 1494/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 83/4
- In mixed form: 203/4
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