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Subtract 70/20 from 42/72

1st number: 42/72, 2nd number: 3 10/20

42/72 - 70/20 is -35/12.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 72 and 20 is 360

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
    42/72 = 42 × 5/72 × 5 = 210/360
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 18 = 360,
    70/20 = 70 × 18/20 × 18 = 1260/360
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    210/360 - 1260/360 = 210 - 1260/360 = -1050/360
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -35/12

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