Subtract 2/4 from 72/18
1st number: 4 0/18, 2nd number: 2/4
72/18 - 2/4 is 7/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 4 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 2 = 36,
72/18 = 72 × 2/18 × 2 = 144/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 4 × 9 = 36,
2/4 = 2 × 9/4 × 9 = 18/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
144/36 - 18/36 = 144 - 18/36 = 126/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 7/2
- In mixed form: 31/2
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