Subtract 42/84 from 5/72
5/72 - 42/84 is -31/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 84 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
5/72 = 5 × 7/72 × 7 = 35/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 84 × 6 = 504,
42/84 = 42 × 6/84 × 6 = 252/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
35/504 - 252/504 = 35 - 252/504 = -217/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -31/72
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