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Subtract 2/5 from 42/36

1st number: 1 6/36, 2nd number: 2/5

42/36 - 2/5 is 23/30.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 36 and 5 is 180

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
    42/36 = 42 × 5/36 × 5 = 210/180
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 36 = 180,
    2/5 = 2 × 36/5 × 36 = 72/180
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    210/180 - 72/180 = 210 - 72/180 = 138/180
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is 23/30

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