Subtract 7/15 from 3/72
3/72 - 7/15 is -17/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 15 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 15 × 24 = 360,
7/15 = 7 × 24/15 × 24 = 168/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/360 - 168/360 = 15 - 168/360 = -153/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/72-7/15 3/72-14/15 3/72-7/30 9/72-7/15 3/72-21/15 3/72-7/45 15/72-7/15 3/72-35/15 3/72-7/75 21/72-7/15 3/72-49/15