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Subtract 72/18 from 2/40

1st number: 2/40, 2nd number: 4 0/18

2/40 - 72/18 is -79/20.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 40 and 18 is 360

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
    2/40 = 2 × 9/40 × 9 = 18/360
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 20 = 360,
    72/18 = 72 × 20/18 × 20 = 1440/360
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    18/360 - 1440/360 = 18 - 1440/360 = -1422/360
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -79/20

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