Subtract 56/12 from 72/42
1st number: 1 30/42, 2nd number: 4 8/12
72/42 - 56/12 is -62/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 12 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
72/42 = 72 × 2/42 × 2 = 144/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
56/12 = 56 × 7/12 × 7 = 392/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
144/84 - 392/84 = 144 - 392/84 = -248/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -62/21
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