Subtract 5/18 from 5/72
5/72 - 5/18 is -5/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 18 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 18 × 4 = 72,
5/18 = 5 × 4/18 × 4 = 20/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
5/72 - 20/72 = 5 - 20/72 = -15/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/24
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