Subtract 40/72 from 2/5
2/5 - 40/72 is -7/45.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 72 = 360,
2/5 = 2 × 72/5 × 72 = 144/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
40/72 = 40 × 5/72 × 5 = 200/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
144/360 - 200/360 = 144 - 200/360 = -56/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/45
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