Subtract 16/72 from 1/5
1/5 - 16/72 is -1/45.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 72 = 360,
1/5 = 1 × 72/5 × 72 = 72/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
16/72 = 16 × 5/72 × 5 = 80/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
72/360 - 80/360 = 72 - 80/360 = -8/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/45
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