Subtract 45/72 from 3/8
3/8 - 45/72 is -1/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
3/8 = 3 × 9/8 × 9 = 27/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
45/72 = 45 × 1/72 × 1 = 45/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
27/72 - 45/72 = 27 - 45/72 = -18/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/4
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/8-45/72 3/8-90/72 3/16-45/72 9/8-45/72 3/24-45/72 15/8-45/72 3/40-45/72 21/8-45/72 3/56-45/72