Subtract 42/36 from 72/18
1st number: 4 0/18, 2nd number: 1 6/36
72/18 - 42/36 is 17/6.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 36 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 2 = 36,
72/18 = 72 × 2/18 × 2 = 144/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 1 = 36,
42/36 = 42 × 1/36 × 1 = 42/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
144/36 - 42/36 = 144 - 42/36 = 102/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 17/6
- In mixed form: 25/6
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