Subtract 5/9 from 72/20
1st number: 3 12/20, 2nd number: 5/9
72/20 - 5/9 is 137/45.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 9 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 9 = 180,
72/20 = 72 × 9/20 × 9 = 648/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 20 = 180,
5/9 = 5 × 20/9 × 20 = 100/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
648/180 - 100/180 = 648 - 100/180 = 548/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 137/45
- In mixed form: 32/45
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/20-10/9 72/40-5/9 72/20-5/18 72/20-15/9 72/60-5/9 72/20-5/27 72/20-25/9 72/20-5/45 72/20-35/9 72/20-5/63