Subtract 5/16 from 16/72
16/72 - 5/16 is -13/144.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
16/72 = 16 × 2/72 × 2 = 32/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
5/16 = 5 × 9/16 × 9 = 45/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
32/144 - 45/144 = 32 - 45/144 = -13/144
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