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Subtract 70/84 from 42/72

42/72 - 70/84 is -1/4.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 72 and 84 is 504

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
    42/72 = 42 × 7/72 × 7 = 294/504
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 84 × 6 = 504,
    70/84 = 70 × 6/84 × 6 = 420/504
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    294/504 - 420/504 = 294 - 420/504 = -126/504
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/4

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