Subtract 40/72 from 7/27
7/27 - 40/72 is -8/27.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 27 and 72 is 216
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 216 - For the 1st fraction, since 27 × 8 = 216,
7/27 = 7 × 8/27 × 8 = 56/216 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 3 = 216,
40/72 = 40 × 3/72 × 3 = 120/216 - Subtract the two like fractions:
56/216 - 120/216 = 56 - 120/216 = -64/216 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -8/27
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