Subtract 40/72 from 1/3
1/3 - 40/72 is -2/9.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 24 = 72,
1/3 = 1 × 24/3 × 24 = 24/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
40/72 = 40 × 1/72 × 1 = 40/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/72 - 40/72 = 24 - 40/72 = -16/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/9
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