Subtract 72/42 from 5/2
1st number: 2 1/2, 2nd number: 1 30/42
5/2 - 72/42 is 11/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 42 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 21 = 42,
5/2 = 5 × 21/2 × 21 = 105/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
72/42 = 72 × 1/42 × 1 = 72/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
105/42 - 72/42 = 105 - 72/42 = 33/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 11/14
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