Subtract 12/5 from 45/72
1st number: 45/72, 2nd number: 2 2/5
45/72 - 12/5 is -71/40.
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,
45/72 = 45 × 5/72 × 5 = 225/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 72 = 360,
12/5 = 12 × 72/5 × 72 = 864/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
225/360 - 864/360 = 225 - 864/360 = -639/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -71/40
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