Subtract 72/27 from 12/40
1st number: 12/40, 2nd number: 2 18/27
12/40 - 72/27 is -71/30.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 27 is 1080
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1080 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 27 = 1080,
12/40 = 12 × 27/40 × 27 = 324/1080 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 40 = 1080,
72/27 = 72 × 40/27 × 40 = 2880/1080 - Subtract the two like fractions:
324/1080 - 2880/1080 = 324 - 2880/1080 = -2556/1080 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -71/30
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/40-72/27 12/80-72/27 12/40-72/54 36/40-72/27 12/40-72/81 60/40-72/27 84/40-72/27