Subtract 21/15 from 12/72
1st number: 12/72, 2nd number: 1 6/15
12/72 - 21/15 is -37/30.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 15 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 15 × 24 = 360,
21/15 = 21 × 24/15 × 24 = 504/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/360 - 504/360 = 60 - 504/360 = -444/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -37/30
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