Subtract 36/45 from 12/20
12/20 - 36/45 is -1/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 45 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 9 = 180,
12/20 = 12 × 9/20 × 9 = 108/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
36/45 = 36 × 4/45 × 4 = 144/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
108/180 - 144/180 = 108 - 144/180 = -36/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/20-36/45 12/20-72/45 12/40-36/45 12/20-36/90 36/20-36/45 12/60-36/45 60/20-36/45 84/20-36/45