Subtract 36/9 from 42/20
1st number: 2 2/20, 2nd number: 4 0/9
42/20 - 36/9 is -19/10.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 9 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 9 = 180,
42/20 = 42 × 9/20 × 9 = 378/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 20 = 180,
36/9 = 36 × 20/9 × 20 = 720/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
378/180 - 720/180 = 378 - 720/180 = -342/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -19/10
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