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Subtract 16/9 from 20/72

1st number: 20/72, 2nd number: 1 7/9

20/72 - 16/9 is -3/2.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 72 and 9 is 72

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
    20/72 = 20 × 1/72 × 1 = 20/72
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 8 = 72,
    16/9 = 16 × 8/9 × 8 = 128/72
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    20/72 - 128/72 = 20 - 128/72 = -108/72
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/2

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