Subtract 2/72 from 42/40
1st number: 1 2/40, 2nd number: 2/72
42/40 - 2/72 is 46/45.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
42/40 = 42 × 9/40 × 9 = 378/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
2/72 = 2 × 5/72 × 5 = 10/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
378/360 - 10/360 = 378 - 10/360 = 368/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 46/45
- In mixed form: 11/45
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