Subtract 36/12 from 7/42
1st number: 7/42, 2nd number: 3 0/12
7/42 - 36/12 is -17/6.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 12 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
7/42 = 7 × 2/42 × 2 = 14/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
36/12 = 36 × 7/12 × 7 = 252/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
14/84 - 252/84 = 14 - 252/84 = -238/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/6
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