Subtract 2/15 from 72/40
1st number: 1 32/40, 2nd number: 2/15
72/40 - 2/15 is 5/3.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 15 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
72/40 = 72 × 3/40 × 3 = 216/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 8 = 120,
2/15 = 2 × 8/15 × 8 = 16/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
216/120 - 16/120 = 216 - 16/120 = 200/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 5/3
- In mixed form: 12/3
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