Subtract 21/72 from 1/40
1/40 - 21/72 is -4/15.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
1/40 = 1 × 9/40 × 9 = 9/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
21/72 = 21 × 5/72 × 5 = 105/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
9/360 - 105/360 = 9 - 105/360 = -96/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -4/15
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