Subtract 5/56 from 3/72
3/72 - 5/56 is -1/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 56 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
3/72 = 3 × 7/72 × 7 = 21/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 9 = 504,
5/56 = 5 × 9/56 × 9 = 45/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
21/504 - 45/504 = 21 - 45/504 = -24/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/21
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