Subtract 4/40 from 4/72
4/72 - 4/40 is -2/45.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
4/72 = 4 × 5/72 × 5 = 20/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
4/40 = 4 × 9/40 × 9 = 36/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
20/360 - 36/360 = 20 - 36/360 = -16/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/45
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