Subtract 45/54 from 42/72
42/72 - 45/54 is -1/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 54 is 216
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 216 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 3 = 216,
42/72 = 42 × 3/72 × 3 = 126/216 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 54 × 4 = 216,
45/54 = 45 × 4/54 × 4 = 180/216 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/216 - 180/216 = 126 - 180/216 = -54/216 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/4
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