Subtract 72/56 from 9/42
1st number: 9/42, 2nd number: 1 16/56
9/42 - 72/56 is -15/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 56 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 4 = 168,
9/42 = 9 × 4/42 × 4 = 36/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
72/56 = 72 × 3/56 × 3 = 216/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/168 - 216/168 = 36 - 216/168 = -180/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -15/14
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