Subtract 4/72 from 1/20
1/20 - 4/72 is -1/180.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 18 = 360,
1/20 = 1 × 18/20 × 18 = 18/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
4/72 = 4 × 5/72 × 5 = 20/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
18/360 - 20/360 = 18 - 20/360 = -2/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/180
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