Subtract 7/40 from 1/72
1/72 - 7/40 is -29/180.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
1/72 = 1 × 5/72 × 5 = 5/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
7/40 = 7 × 9/40 × 9 = 63/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
5/360 - 63/360 = 5 - 63/360 = -58/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -29/180
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/72-7/40 1/72-14/40 1/72-7/80 3/72-7/40 1/72-21/40 5/72-7/40 1/72-35/40 7/72-7/40 1/72-49/40