Subtract 72/18 from 42/9
1st number: 4 6/9, 2nd number: 4 0/18
42/9 - 72/18 is 2/3.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 18 is 18
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 18 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 2 = 18,
42/9 = 42 × 2/9 × 2 = 84/18 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 1 = 18,
72/18 = 72 × 1/18 × 1 = 72/18 - Subtract the two like fractions:
84/18 - 72/18 = 84 - 72/18 = 12/18 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 2/3
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