Subtract 72/40 from 3/12
1st number: 3/12, 2nd number: 1 32/40
3/12 - 72/40 is -31/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 10 = 120,
3/12 = 3 × 10/12 × 10 = 30/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
72/40 = 72 × 3/40 × 3 = 216/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
30/120 - 216/120 = 30 - 216/120 = -186/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -31/20
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