Subtract 72/56 from 30/40
1st number: 30/40, 2nd number: 1 16/56
30/40 - 72/56 is -15/28.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 56 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
30/40 = 30 × 7/40 × 7 = 210/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
72/56 = 72 × 5/56 × 5 = 360/280 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/280 - 360/280 = 210 - 360/280 = -150/280 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -15/28
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 60/40-72/56 30/80-72/56 90/40-72/56