Solve 3/8-7/9+5/72

$$\frac { 3 } { 8 } - \frac { 7 } { 9 } + \frac { 5 } { 72 }$$

Evaluate

$$-\frac{1}{3}\approx -0.333333333$$

Solution Steps

Least common multiple of 8 and 9 is 72. Convert \frac{3}{8} and \frac{7}{9} to fractions with denominator 72.

$$\frac{27}{72}-\frac{56}{72}+\frac{5}{72}$$

Since \frac{27}{72} and \frac{56}{72} have the same denominator, subtract them by subtracting their numerators.

$$\frac{27-56}{72}+\frac{5}{72}$$

Subtract 56 from 27 to get -29.

$$-\frac{29}{72}+\frac{5}{72}$$

Since -\frac{29}{72} and \frac{5}{72} have the same denominator, add them by adding their numerators.

$$\frac{-29+5}{72}$$

Add -29 and 5 to get -24.

$$\frac{-24}{72}$$

Reduce the fraction \frac{-24}{72} to lowest terms by extracting and canceling out 24.

$$-\frac{1}{3}$$

Factor

$$-\frac{1}{3} = -0.3333333333333333$$