Subtract 45/60 from 16/72
16/72 - 45/60 is -19/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 60 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
16/72 = 16 × 5/72 × 5 = 80/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 60 × 6 = 360,
45/60 = 45 × 6/60 × 6 = 270/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
80/360 - 270/360 = 80 - 270/360 = -190/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -19/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/72-45/60 16/72-90/60 48/72-45/60 80/72-45/60