Answers

Subtract 81/40 from 50/72

1^st number: 50/72, 2^nd number: 2 1/40

50/72 - 81/40 is -479/360.

Steps for subtracting fractions

1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
   LCM of 72 and 40 is 360
   
   Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360
2. For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
   50/72 = 50 × 5/72 × 5 = 250/360
3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
   81/40 = 81 × 9/40 × 9 = 729/360
4. Subtract the two like fractions:
   250/360 - 729/360 = 250 - 729/360 = -479/360

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