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Subtract 20/42 from 84/36

1st number: 2 12/36, 2nd number: 20/42

84/36 - 20/42 is 13/7.

Steps for subtracting fractions

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

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 7 = 252,
    84/36 = 84 × 7/36 × 7 = 588/252
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 6 = 252,
    20/42 = 20 × 6/42 × 6 = 120/252
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    588/252 - 120/252 = 588 - 120/252 = 468/252
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is 13/7
  6. In mixed form: 16/7

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