Subtract 12/16 from 40/72
40/72 - 12/16 is -7/36.
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,
40/72 = 40 × 2/72 × 2 = 80/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
12/16 = 12 × 9/16 × 9 = 108/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
80/144 - 108/144 = 80 - 108/144 = -28/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/36
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