Subtract 16/40 from 72/15
1st number: 4 12/15, 2nd number: 16/40
72/15 - 16/40 is 22/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 8 = 120,
72/15 = 72 × 8/15 × 8 = 576/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
16/40 = 16 × 3/40 × 3 = 48/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
576/120 - 48/120 = 576 - 48/120 = 528/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 22/5
- In mixed form: 42/5
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