Subtract 20/12 from 42/36
1st number: 1 6/36, 2nd number: 1 8/12
42/36 - 20/12 is -1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 12 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 1 = 36,
42/36 = 42 × 1/36 × 1 = 42/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
20/12 = 20 × 3/12 × 3 = 60/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/36 - 60/36 = 42 - 60/36 = -18/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/2
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