Subtract 49/16 from 42/72
1st number: 42/72, 2nd number: 3 1/16
42/72 - 49/16 is -119/48.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
42/72 = 42 × 2/72 × 2 = 84/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
49/16 = 49 × 9/16 × 9 = 441/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
84/144 - 441/144 = 84 - 441/144 = -357/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -119/48
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