Subtract 5/72 from 1/2
1/2 - 5/72 is 31/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 36 = 72,
1/2 = 1 × 36/2 × 36 = 36/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
5/72 = 5 × 1/72 × 1 = 5/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/72 - 5/72 = 36 - 5/72 = 31/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 1/2-10/72 1/4-5/72 3/2-5/72 1/2-15/72 1/6-5/72 5/2-5/72 1/2-25/72 1/10-5/72 7/2-5/72 1/2-35/72 1/14-5/72