Subtract 18/9 from 72/40
1st number: 1 32/40, 2nd number: 2 0/9
72/40 - 18/9 is -1/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 9 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
72/40 = 72 × 9/40 × 9 = 648/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 40 = 360,
18/9 = 18 × 40/9 × 40 = 720/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
648/360 - 720/360 = 648 - 720/360 = -72/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/5
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