Subtract 42/16 from 49/72
1st number: 49/72, 2nd number: 2 10/16
49/72 - 42/16 is -35/18.
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,
49/72 = 49 × 2/72 × 2 = 98/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
42/16 = 42 × 9/16 × 9 = 378/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
98/144 - 378/144 = 98 - 378/144 = -280/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -35/18
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