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Subtract 42/36 from 5/42

1st number: 5/42, 2nd number: 1 6/36

5/42 - 42/36 is -22/21.

Steps for subtracting fractions

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

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
    5/42 = 5 × 6/42 × 6 = 30/252
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
    42/36 = 42 × 7/36 × 7 = 294/252
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    30/252 - 294/252 = 30 - 294/252 = -264/252
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -22/21

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