Subtract 42/72 from 5/20
5/20 - 42/72 is -1/3.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 18 = 360,
5/20 = 5 × 18/20 × 18 = 90/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
42/72 = 42 × 5/72 × 5 = 210/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
90/360 - 210/360 = 90 - 210/360 = -120/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/3
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