Subtract 45/72 from 3/12
3/12 - 45/72 is -3/8.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 6 = 72,
3/12 = 3 × 6/12 × 6 = 18/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
45/72 = 45 × 1/72 × 1 = 45/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
18/72 - 45/72 = 18 - 45/72 = -27/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/8
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