Subtract 7/42 from 5/36
5/36 - 7/42 is -1/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- 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 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
5/36 = 5 × 7/36 × 7 = 35/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
7/42 = 7 × 6/42 × 6 = 42/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
35/252 - 42/252 = 35 - 42/252 = -7/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/36
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