Subtract 5/9 from 2/72
2/72 - 5/9 is -19/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 9 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
2/72 = 2 × 1/72 × 1 = 2/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 8 = 72,
5/9 = 5 × 8/9 × 8 = 40/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
2/72 - 40/72 = 2 - 40/72 = -38/72 - 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: 4/72-5/9 2/72-10/9 2/72-5/18 6/72-5/9 2/72-15/9 2/72-5/27 10/72-5/9 2/72-25/9 2/72-5/45 14/72-5/9 2/72-35/9 2/72-5/63