Subtract 8/45 from 5/72
5/72 - 8/45 is -13/120.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 45 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
5/72 = 5 × 5/72 × 5 = 25/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 8 = 360,
8/45 = 8 × 8/45 × 8 = 64/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
25/360 - 64/360 = 25 - 64/360 = -39/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -13/120
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