Subtract 12/16 from 5/72
5/72 - 12/16 is -49/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
5/72 = 5 × 2/72 × 2 = 10/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
12/16 = 12 × 9/16 × 9 = 108/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
10/144 - 108/144 = 10 - 108/144 = -98/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -49/72
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