Subtract 72/60 from 2/5
1st number: 2/5, 2nd number: 1 12/60
2/5 - 72/60 is -4/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 60 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 12 = 60,
2/5 = 2 × 12/5 × 12 = 24/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 60 × 1 = 60,
72/60 = 72 × 1/60 × 1 = 72/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/60 - 72/60 = 24 - 72/60 = -48/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -4/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/5-72/60 2/10-72/60 6/5-72/60 2/15-72/60 10/5-72/60 2/25-72/60 14/5-72/60 2/35-72/60