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Subtract 21/16 from 5/72

1st number: 5/72, 2nd number: 1 5/16

5/72 - 21/16 is -179/144.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. 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
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
    5/72 = 5 × 2/72 × 2 = 10/144
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
    21/16 = 21 × 9/16 × 9 = 189/144
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    10/144 - 189/144 = 10 - 189/144 = -179/144

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