Subtract 36/15 from 12/20
1st number: 12/20, 2nd number: 2 6/15
12/20 - 36/15 is -9/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 15 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 3 = 60,
12/20 = 12 × 3/20 × 3 = 36/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 4 = 60,
36/15 = 36 × 4/15 × 4 = 144/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/60 - 144/60 = 36 - 144/60 = -108/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -9/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/20-36/15 12/20-72/15 12/40-36/15 12/20-36/30 36/20-36/15 12/60-36/15 12/20-36/45 60/20-36/15 12/20-36/75 84/20-36/15