Subtract 27/40 from 18/72
18/72 - 27/40 is -17/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
18/72 = 18 × 5/72 × 5 = 90/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
27/40 = 27 × 9/40 × 9 = 243/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
90/360 - 243/360 = 90 - 243/360 = -153/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/40
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