Subtract 3/5 from 18/72
18/72 - 3/5 is -7/20.
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,
18/72 = 18 × 5/72 × 5 = 90/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 72 = 360,
3/5 = 3 × 72/5 × 72 = 216/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
90/360 - 216/360 = 90 - 216/360 = -126/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/20
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