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Subtract 21/42 from 5/36

5/36 - 21/42 is -13/36.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 36 and 42 is 252

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
    5/36 = 5 × 7/36 × 7 = 35/252
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
    21/42 = 21 × 6/42 × 6 = 126/252
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    35/252 - 126/252 = 35 - 126/252 = -91/252
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -13/36

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