Subtract 40/72 from 5/15
5/15 - 40/72 is -2/9.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 24 = 360,
5/15 = 5 × 24/15 × 24 = 120/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
40/72 = 40 × 5/72 × 5 = 200/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
120/360 - 200/360 = 120 - 200/360 = -80/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/9
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