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Subtract 12/9 from 5/42

1st number: 5/42, 2nd number: 1 3/9

5/42 - 12/9 is -17/14.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 42 and 9 is 126

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
    5/42 = 5 × 3/42 × 3 = 15/126
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 14 = 126,
    12/9 = 12 × 14/9 × 14 = 168/126
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    15/126 - 168/126 = 15 - 168/126 = -153/126
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/14

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