Answers

Subtract 49/12 from 42/72

1^st number: 42/72, 2^nd number: 4 1/12

42/72 - 49/12 is -7/2.

Steps for subtracting fractions

1. 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
2. For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
   42/72 = 42 × 1/72 × 1 = 42/72
3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 6 = 72,
   49/12 = 49 × 6/12 × 6 = 294/72
4. Subtract the two like fractions:
   42/72 - 294/72 = 42 - 294/72 = -252/72
5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/2

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