Subtract 7/45 from 7/72
7/72 - 7/45 is -7/120.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 45 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
7/72 = 7 × 5/72 × 5 = 35/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 8 = 360,
7/45 = 7 × 8/45 × 8 = 56/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
35/360 - 56/360 = 35 - 56/360 = -21/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/120
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 14/72-7/45 7/72-14/45 7/72-7/90 21/72-7/45 7/72-21/45 35/72-7/45 7/72-35/45 49/72-7/45 7/72-49/45