Subtract 15/50 from 12/72
12/72 - 15/50 is -2/15.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 50 is 1800
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1800 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 25 = 1800,
12/72 = 12 × 25/72 × 25 = 300/1800 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 36 = 1800,
15/50 = 15 × 36/50 × 36 = 540/1800 - Subtract the two like fractions:
300/1800 - 540/1800 = 300 - 540/1800 = -240/1800 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/15
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