Subtract 20/16 from 40/36
1st number: 1 4/36, 2nd number: 1 4/16
40/36 - 20/16 is -5/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 4 = 144,
40/36 = 40 × 4/36 × 4 = 160/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
20/16 = 20 × 9/16 × 9 = 180/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
160/144 - 180/144 = 160 - 180/144 = -20/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/36
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