Subtract 9/16 from 36/72
36/72 - 9/16 is -1/16.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
36/72 = 36 × 2/72 × 2 = 72/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
9/16 = 9 × 9/16 × 9 = 81/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
72/144 - 81/144 = 72 - 81/144 = -9/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/16
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