Subtract 72/18 from 5/2
1st number: 2 1/2, 2nd number: 4 0/18
5/2 - 72/18 is -3/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 18 is 18
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 18 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 9 = 18,
5/2 = 5 × 9/2 × 9 = 45/18 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 1 = 18,
72/18 = 72 × 1/18 × 1 = 72/18 - Subtract the two like fractions:
45/18 - 72/18 = 45 - 72/18 = -27/18 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/2
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