Subtract 27/72 from 12/40
12/40 - 27/72 is -3/40.
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,
12/40 = 12 × 9/40 × 9 = 108/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
27/72 = 27 × 5/72 × 5 = 135/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
108/360 - 135/360 = 108 - 135/360 = -27/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/40
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