Subtract 27/72 from 12/5
1st number: 2 2/5, 2nd number: 27/72
12/5 - 27/72 is 81/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 72 = 360,
12/5 = 12 × 72/5 × 72 = 864/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
27/72 = 27 × 5/72 × 5 = 135/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
864/360 - 135/360 = 864 - 135/360 = 729/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 81/40
- In mixed form: 21/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/5-27/72 12/5-54/72 12/10-27/72 36/5-27/72 12/5-81/72 12/15-27/72 60/5-27/72 12/25-27/72 84/5-27/72 12/35-27/72