Subtract 45/20 from 42/36
1st number: 1 6/36, 2nd number: 2 5/20
42/36 - 45/20 is -13/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 20 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
42/36 = 42 × 5/36 × 5 = 210/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 9 = 180,
45/20 = 45 × 9/20 × 9 = 405/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/180 - 405/180 = 210 - 405/180 = -195/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -13/12
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