Subtract 3/8 from 5/36
5/36 - 3/8 is -17/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 8 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 2 = 72,
5/36 = 5 × 2/36 × 2 = 10/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
3/8 = 3 × 9/8 × 9 = 27/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
10/72 - 27/72 = 10 - 27/72 = -17/72
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