Subtract 36/42 from 72/4
1st number: 18 0/4, 2nd number: 36/42
72/4 - 36/42 is 120/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 4 and 42 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 4 × 21 = 84,
72/4 = 72 × 21/4 × 21 = 1512/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
36/42 = 36 × 2/42 × 2 = 72/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
1512/84 - 72/84 = 1512 - 72/84 = 1440/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 120/7
- In mixed form: 171/7
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