Subtract 5/72 from 21/5
1st number: 4 1/5, 2nd number: 5/72
21/5 - 5/72 is 1487/360.
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,
21/5 = 21 × 72/5 × 72 = 1512/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
5/72 = 5 × 5/72 × 5 = 25/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
1512/360 - 25/360 = 1512 - 25/360 = 1487/360 - In mixed form: 447/360
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/5-5/72 21/5-10/72 21/10-5/72 63/5-5/72 21/5-15/72 21/15-5/72 21/5-25/72 21/25-5/72 21/5-35/72 21/35-5/72