Subtract 18/27 from 3/72
3/72 - 18/27 is -5/8.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 27 is 216
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 216 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 3 = 216,
3/72 = 3 × 3/72 × 3 = 9/216 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 8 = 216,
18/27 = 18 × 8/27 × 8 = 144/216 - Subtract the two like fractions:
9/216 - 144/216 = 9 - 144/216 = -135/216 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/8
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