Subtract 42/40 from 7/72
1st number: 7/72, 2nd number: 1 2/40
7/72 - 42/40 is -343/360.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- 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 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
7/72 = 7 × 5/72 × 5 = 35/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
42/40 = 42 × 9/40 × 9 = 378/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
35/360 - 378/360 = 35 - 378/360 = -343/360
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