Subtract 15/5 from 40/72
1st number: 40/72, 2nd number: 3 0/5
40/72 - 15/5 is -22/9.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 5 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 5 × 72 = 360,
15/5 = 15 × 72/5 × 72 = 1080/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
200/360 - 1080/360 = 200 - 1080/360 = -880/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -22/9
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