Subtract 42/18 from 72/28
1st number: 2 16/28, 2nd number: 2 6/18
72/28 - 42/18 is 5/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 28 and 18 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 28 × 9 = 252,
72/28 = 72 × 9/28 × 9 = 648/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 14 = 252,
42/18 = 42 × 14/18 × 14 = 588/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
648/252 - 588/252 = 648 - 588/252 = 60/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 5/21
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