Subtract 42/5 from 72/18
1st number: 4 0/18, 2nd number: 8 2/5
72/18 - 42/5 is -22/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 5 is 90
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 90 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 5 = 90,
72/18 = 72 × 5/18 × 5 = 360/90 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 18 = 90,
42/5 = 42 × 18/5 × 18 = 756/90 - Subtract the two like fractions:
360/90 - 756/90 = 360 - 756/90 = -396/90 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -22/5
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