Subtract 72/18 from 2/5
1st number: 2/5, 2nd number: 4 0/18
2/5 - 72/18 is -18/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 18 is 90
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 90 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 18 = 90,
2/5 = 2 × 18/5 × 18 = 36/90 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 5 = 90,
72/18 = 72 × 5/18 × 5 = 360/90 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/90 - 360/90 = 36 - 360/90 = -324/90 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -18/5
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