Subtract 72/18 from 36/15
1st number: 2 6/15, 2nd number: 4 0/18
36/15 - 72/18 is -8/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 18 is 90
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 90 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 6 = 90,
36/15 = 36 × 6/15 × 6 = 216/90 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 5 = 90,
72/18 = 72 × 5/18 × 5 = 360/90 - Subtract the two like fractions:
216/90 - 360/90 = 216 - 360/90 = -144/90 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -8/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/15-72/18 36/30-72/18 36/15-72/36 36/45-72/18 36/15-72/54 36/75-72/18 36/15-72/90