Subtract 36/9 from 12/15
1st number: 12/15, 2nd number: 4 0/9
12/15 - 36/9 is -16/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 9 is 45
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 45 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 3 = 45,
12/15 = 12 × 3/15 × 3 = 36/45 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 5 = 45,
36/9 = 36 × 5/9 × 5 = 180/45 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/45 - 180/45 = 36 - 180/45 = -144/45 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -16/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/15-36/9 12/15-72/9 12/30-36/9 12/15-36/18 36/15-36/9 12/45-36/9 12/15-36/27 60/15-36/9 12/75-36/9 12/15-36/45 84/15-36/9 12/15-36/63