Subtract 45/72 from 20/50
20/50 - 45/72 is -9/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 50 and 72 is 1800
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1800 - For the 1st fraction, since 50 × 36 = 1800,
20/50 = 20 × 36/50 × 36 = 720/1800 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 25 = 1800,
45/72 = 45 × 25/72 × 25 = 1125/1800 - Subtract the two like fractions:
720/1800 - 1125/1800 = 720 - 1125/1800 = -405/1800 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -9/40
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