Subtract 42/72 from 5/42, Solve 5/42

Subtract 42/72 from 5/42

5/42 - 42/72 is -13/28.

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
For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
5/42 = 5 × 12/42 × 12 = 60/504
Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
42/72 = 42 × 7/72 × 7 = 294/504
Subtract the two like fractions:
60/504 - 294/504 = 60 - 294/504 = -234/504
After reducing the fraction, the answer is -13/28

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