Subtract 40/18 from 12/72
1st number: 12/72, 2nd number: 2 4/18
12/72 - 40/18 is -37/18.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 18 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
12/72 = 12 × 1/72 × 1 = 12/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
40/18 = 40 × 4/18 × 4 = 160/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/72 - 160/72 = 12 - 160/72 = -148/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -37/18
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