Subtract 16/72 from 1/2
1/2 - 16/72 is 5/18.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 36 = 72,
1/2 = 1 × 36/2 × 36 = 36/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
16/72 = 16 × 1/72 × 1 = 16/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/72 - 16/72 = 36 - 16/72 = 20/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 5/18
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