Subtract 2/5 from 16/72
16/72 - 2/5 is -8/45.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 5 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
16/72 = 16 × 5/72 × 5 = 80/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 72 = 360,
2/5 = 2 × 72/5 × 72 = 144/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
80/360 - 144/360 = 80 - 144/360 = -64/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -8/45
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