Subtract 18/9 from 72/42
1st number: 1 30/42, 2nd number: 2 0/9
72/42 - 18/9 is -2/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 9 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
72/42 = 72 × 3/42 × 3 = 216/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 14 = 126,
18/9 = 18 × 14/9 × 14 = 252/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
216/126 - 252/126 = 216 - 252/126 = -36/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/7
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