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Subtract 12/36 from 72/42

1st number: 1 30/42, 2nd number: 12/36

72/42 - 12/36 is 29/21.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 42 and 36 is 252

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
    72/42 = 72 × 6/42 × 6 = 432/252
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
    12/36 = 12 × 7/36 × 7 = 84/252
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    432/252 - 84/252 = 432 - 84/252 = 348/252
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is 29/21
  6. In mixed form: 18/21

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