Subtract 40/45 from 12/72
12/72 - 40/45 is -13/18.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 45 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 45 × 8 = 360,
40/45 = 40 × 8/45 × 8 = 320/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/360 - 320/360 = 60 - 320/360 = -260/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -13/18
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