Subtract 1/12 from 42/72
42/72 - 1/12 is 1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 12 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
42/72 = 42 × 1/72 × 1 = 42/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 6 = 72,
1/12 = 1 × 6/12 × 6 = 6/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/72 - 6/72 = 42 - 6/72 = 36/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 1/2
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