Subtract 5/9 from 4/72
4/72 - 5/9 is -1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 9 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
4/72 = 4 × 1/72 × 1 = 4/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 8 = 72,
5/9 = 5 × 8/9 × 8 = 40/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
4/72 - 40/72 = 4 - 40/72 = -36/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/2
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