Subtract 4/48 from 2/72
2/72 - 4/48 is -1/18.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 48 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
2/72 = 2 × 2/72 × 2 = 4/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
4/48 = 4 × 3/48 × 3 = 12/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
4/144 - 12/144 = 4 - 12/144 = -8/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/18
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