Subtract 72/20 from 2/5
1st number: 2/5, 2nd number: 3 12/20
2/5 - 72/20 is -16/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 20 is 20
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 20 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 4 = 20,
2/5 = 2 × 4/5 × 4 = 8/20 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 1 = 20,
72/20 = 72 × 1/20 × 1 = 72/20 - Subtract the two like fractions:
8/20 - 72/20 = 8 - 72/20 = -64/20 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -16/5
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