Subtract 16/72 from 36/40
36/40 - 16/72 is 61/90.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
36/40 = 36 × 9/40 × 9 = 324/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
16/72 = 16 × 5/72 × 5 = 80/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
324/360 - 80/360 = 324 - 80/360 = 244/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 61/90
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/40-16/72 36/40-32/72 36/80-16/72 36/40-48/72 36/40-80/72