Subtract 72/12 from 18/5
1st number: 3 3/5, 2nd number: 6 0/12
18/5 - 72/12 is -12/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 12 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 12 = 60,
18/5 = 18 × 12/5 × 12 = 216/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
72/12 = 72 × 5/12 × 5 = 360/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
216/60 - 360/60 = 216 - 360/60 = -144/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -12/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/5-72/12 18/10-72/12 18/5-72/24 54/5-72/12 18/15-72/12 18/5-72/36 90/5-72/12 18/25-72/12 18/5-72/60 18/35-72/12 18/5-72/84