Subtract 12/20 from 40/72
40/72 - 12/20 is -2/45.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 20 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
40/72 = 40 × 5/72 × 5 = 200/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 18 = 360,
12/20 = 12 × 18/20 × 18 = 216/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
200/360 - 216/360 = 200 - 216/360 = -16/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/45
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