Subtract 42/48 from 7/72
7/72 - 42/48 is -7/9.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 48 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
7/72 = 7 × 2/72 × 2 = 14/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
42/48 = 42 × 3/48 × 3 = 126/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
14/144 - 126/144 = 14 - 126/144 = -112/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/9
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