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Subtract 42/72 from 5/28

5/28 - 42/72 is -17/42.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 28 and 72 is 504

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 28 × 18 = 504,
    5/28 = 5 × 18/28 × 18 = 90/504
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
    42/72 = 42 × 7/72 × 7 = 294/504
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    90/504 - 294/504 = 90 - 294/504 = -204/504
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/42

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