Subtract 15/45 from 3/72
3/72 - 15/45 is -7/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 45 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
3/72 = 3 × 5/72 × 5 = 15/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 8 = 360,
15/45 = 15 × 8/45 × 8 = 120/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/360 - 120/360 = 15 - 120/360 = -105/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/24
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/72-15/45 3/72-30/45 3/72-15/90 9/72-15/45 15/72-15/45 3/72-75/45 21/72-15/45