Subtract 40/72 from 2/16
2/16 - 40/72 is -31/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 72 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
2/16 = 2 × 9/16 × 9 = 18/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
40/72 = 40 × 2/72 × 2 = 80/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
18/144 - 80/144 = 18 - 80/144 = -62/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -31/72
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