Subtract 40/35 from 72/21
1st number: 3 9/21, 2nd number: 1 5/35
72/21 - 40/35 is 16/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 35 is 105
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 105 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 5 = 105,
72/21 = 72 × 5/21 × 5 = 360/105 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 35 × 3 = 105,
40/35 = 40 × 3/35 × 3 = 120/105 - Subtract the two like fractions:
360/105 - 120/105 = 360 - 120/105 = 240/105 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 16/7
- In mixed form: 22/7
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