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Subtract 56/40 from 20/72

1st number: 20/72, 2nd number: 1 16/40

20/72 - 56/40 is -101/90.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 72 and 40 is 360

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
    20/72 = 20 × 5/72 × 5 = 100/360
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
    56/40 = 56 × 9/40 × 9 = 504/360
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    100/360 - 504/360 = 100 - 504/360 = -404/360
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -101/90

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