Subtract 42/72 from 5/12
5/12 - 42/72 is -1/6.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 6 = 72,
5/12 = 5 × 6/12 × 6 = 30/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
42/72 = 42 × 1/72 × 1 = 42/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
30/72 - 42/72 = 30 - 42/72 = -12/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/6
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