Subtract 16/45 from 42/72
42/72 - 16/45 is 41/180.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 45 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
42/72 = 42 × 5/72 × 5 = 210/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 8 = 360,
16/45 = 16 × 8/45 × 8 = 128/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/360 - 128/360 = 210 - 128/360 = 82/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 41/180
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