Subtract 21/8 from 5/72
1st number: 5/72, 2nd number: 2 5/8
5/72 - 21/8 is -23/9.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 8 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
5/72 = 5 × 1/72 × 1 = 5/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
21/8 = 21 × 9/8 × 9 = 189/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
5/72 - 189/72 = 5 - 189/72 = -184/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -23/9
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