Subtract 12/9 from 15/72
1st number: 15/72, 2nd number: 1 3/9
15/72 - 12/9 is -9/8.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 9 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
15/72 = 15 × 1/72 × 1 = 15/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 8 = 72,
12/9 = 12 × 8/9 × 8 = 96/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/72 - 96/72 = 15 - 96/72 = -81/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -9/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 30/72-12/9 15/72-24/9 15/72-12/18 45/72-12/9 15/72-36/9 15/72-12/27 75/72-12/9 15/72-60/9 15/72-12/45 15/72-84/9 15/72-12/63