Subtract 5/40 from 72/21
1st number: 3 9/21, 2nd number: 5/40
72/21 - 5/40 is 185/56.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 40 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 40 = 840,
72/21 = 72 × 40/21 × 40 = 2880/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
5/40 = 5 × 21/40 × 21 = 105/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
2880/840 - 105/840 = 2880 - 105/840 = 2775/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 185/56
- In mixed form: 317/56
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