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Subtract 5/72 from 84/42

1st number: 2 0/42, 2nd number: 5/72

84/42 - 5/72 is 139/72.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 42 and 72 is 504

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 12 = 504,
    84/42 = 84 × 12/42 × 12 = 1008/504
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
    5/72 = 5 × 7/72 × 7 = 35/504
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    1008/504 - 35/504 = 1008 - 35/504 = 973/504
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is 139/72
  6. In mixed form: 167/72

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