Subtract 21/72 from 5/9
5/9 - 21/72 is 19/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 8 = 72,
5/9 = 5 × 8/9 × 8 = 40/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
21/72 = 21 × 1/72 × 1 = 21/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
40/72 - 21/72 = 40 - 21/72 = 19/72
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