Subtract 2/72 from 42/21
1st number: 2 0/21, 2nd number: 2/72
42/21 - 2/72 is 71/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 24 = 504,
42/21 = 42 × 24/21 × 24 = 1008/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
2/72 = 2 × 7/72 × 7 = 14/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
1008/504 - 14/504 = 1008 - 14/504 = 994/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 71/36
- In mixed form: 135/36
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