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Subtract 5/9 from 2/4

2/4 - 5/9 is -1/18.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 4 and 9 is 36

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 4 × 9 = 36,
    2/4 = 2 × 9/4 × 9 = 18/36
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 4 = 36,
    5/9 = 5 × 4/9 × 4 = 20/36
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    18/36 - 20/36 = 18 - 20/36 = -2/36
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/18

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