Subtract 72/9 from 40/16
1st number: 2 8/16, 2nd number: 8 0/9
40/16 - 72/9 is -11/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 9 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
40/16 = 40 × 9/16 × 9 = 360/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 16 = 144,
72/9 = 72 × 16/9 × 16 = 1152/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
360/144 - 1152/144 = 360 - 1152/144 = -792/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/2
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