Subtract 42/7 from 72/16
1st number: 4 8/16, 2nd number: 6 0/7
72/16 - 42/7 is -3/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 7 is 112
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 112 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 7 = 112,
72/16 = 72 × 7/16 × 7 = 504/112 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 7 × 16 = 112,
42/7 = 42 × 16/7 × 16 = 672/112 - Subtract the two like fractions:
504/112 - 672/112 = 504 - 672/112 = -168/112 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/2
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