Subtract 5/18 from 3/72
3/72 - 5/18 is -17/72.
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,
5/18 = 5 × 4/18 × 4 = 20/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
3/72 - 20/72 = 3 - 20/72 = -17/72
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