Subtract 15/45 from 15/72
15/72 - 15/45 is -1/8.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 45 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
15/72 = 15 × 5/72 × 5 = 75/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 8 = 360,
15/45 = 15 × 8/45 × 8 = 120/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
75/360 - 120/360 = 75 - 120/360 = -45/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 30/72-15/45 15/72-30/45 15/72-15/90 45/72-15/45 75/72-15/45 15/72-75/45