Subtract 3/40 from 15/72
15/72 - 3/40 is 2/15.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 40 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 40 × 9 = 360,
3/40 = 3 × 9/40 × 9 = 27/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
75/360 - 27/360 = 75 - 27/360 = 48/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 2/15
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 30/72-3/40 15/72-6/40 15/72-3/80 45/72-3/40 15/72-9/40 75/72-3/40 15/72-15/40 15/72-21/40