Subtract 5/8 from 16/36
16/36 - 5/8 is -13/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 8 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 2 = 72,
16/36 = 16 × 2/36 × 2 = 32/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
5/8 = 5 × 9/8 × 9 = 45/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
32/72 - 45/72 = 32 - 45/72 = -13/72
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