Subtract 4/72 from 2/5
2/5 - 4/72 is 31/90.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 72 = 360,
2/5 = 2 × 72/5 × 72 = 144/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
4/72 = 4 × 5/72 × 5 = 20/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
144/360 - 20/360 = 144 - 20/360 = 124/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 31/90
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/5-4/72 2/5-8/72 2/10-4/72 6/5-4/72 2/5-12/72 2/15-4/72 10/5-4/72 2/5-20/72 2/25-4/72 14/5-4/72 2/5-28/72 2/35-4/72