Subtract 16/5 from 42/72
1st number: 42/72, 2nd number: 3 1/5
42/72 - 16/5 is -157/60.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 5 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
42/72 = 42 × 5/72 × 5 = 210/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 72 = 360,
16/5 = 16 × 72/5 × 72 = 1152/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/360 - 1152/360 = 210 - 1152/360 = -942/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -157/60
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