Subtract 14/72 from 5/36
5/36 - 14/72 is -1/18.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 2 = 72,
5/36 = 5 × 2/36 × 2 = 10/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
14/72 = 14 × 1/72 × 1 = 14/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
10/72 - 14/72 = 10 - 14/72 = -4/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/18
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