Subtract 15/72 from 21/40
21/40 - 15/72 is 19/60.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
21/40 = 21 × 9/40 × 9 = 189/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
15/72 = 15 × 5/72 × 5 = 75/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
189/360 - 75/360 = 189 - 75/360 = 114/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 19/60
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