Subtract 36/72 from 5/21
5/21 - 36/72 is -11/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 24 = 504,
5/21 = 5 × 24/21 × 24 = 120/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
36/72 = 36 × 7/72 × 7 = 252/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
120/504 - 252/504 = 120 - 252/504 = -132/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/42
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