Subtract 12/18 from 3/72
3/72 - 12/18 is -5/8.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 18 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
3/72 = 3 × 1/72 × 1 = 3/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
12/18 = 12 × 4/18 × 4 = 48/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
3/72 - 48/72 = 3 - 48/72 = -45/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/8
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