Subtract 4/72 from 2/48
2/48 - 4/72 is -1/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 72 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
2/48 = 2 × 3/48 × 3 = 6/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
4/72 = 4 × 2/72 × 2 = 8/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
6/144 - 8/144 = 6 - 8/144 = -2/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/72
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