Subtract 32/72 from 12/40
12/40 - 32/72 is -13/90.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
12/40 = 12 × 9/40 × 9 = 108/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
32/72 = 32 × 5/72 × 5 = 160/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
108/360 - 160/360 = 108 - 160/360 = -52/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -13/90
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/40-32/72 12/40-64/72 12/80-32/72 36/40-32/72 12/40-96/72 60/40-32/72 84/40-32/72