Subtract 12/40 from 12/72
12/72 - 12/40 is -2/15.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
12/72 = 12 × 5/72 × 5 = 60/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
12/40 = 12 × 9/40 × 9 = 108/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/360 - 108/360 = 60 - 108/360 = -48/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/15
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