Subtract 36/81 from 2/5
2/5 - 36/81 is -2/45.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 81 is 405
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 405 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 81 = 405,
2/5 = 2 × 81/5 × 81 = 162/405 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 81 × 5 = 405,
36/81 = 36 × 5/81 × 5 = 180/405 - Subtract the two like fractions:
162/405 - 180/405 = 162 - 180/405 = -18/405 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/45
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/5-36/81 2/5-72/81 2/10-36/81 6/5-36/81 2/15-36/81 10/5-36/81 2/25-36/81 14/5-36/81 2/35-36/81