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Subtract 27/72 from 5/42

5/42 - 27/72 is -43/168.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 42 and 72 is 504

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
    5/42 = 5 × 12/42 × 12 = 60/504
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
    27/72 = 27 × 7/72 × 7 = 189/504
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    60/504 - 189/504 = 60 - 189/504 = -129/504
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -43/168

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