Subtract 72/9 from 72/15
1st number: 4 12/15, 2nd number: 8 0/9
72/15 - 72/9 is -16/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 9 is 45
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 45 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 3 = 45,
72/15 = 72 × 3/15 × 3 = 216/45 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 5 = 45,
72/9 = 72 × 5/9 × 5 = 360/45 - Subtract the two like fractions:
216/45 - 360/45 = 216 - 360/45 = -144/45 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -16/5
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