Subtract 2/36 from 42/48
42/48 - 2/36 is 59/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 36 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
42/48 = 42 × 3/48 × 3 = 126/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 4 = 144,
2/36 = 2 × 4/36 × 4 = 8/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/144 - 8/144 = 126 - 8/144 = 118/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 59/72
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