Subtract 72/54 from 36/56
1st number: 36/56, 2nd number: 1 18/54
36/56 - 72/54 is -29/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 54 is 1512
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1512 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 27 = 1512,
36/56 = 36 × 27/56 × 27 = 972/1512 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 54 × 28 = 1512,
72/54 = 72 × 28/54 × 28 = 2016/1512 - Subtract the two like fractions:
972/1512 - 2016/1512 = 972 - 2016/1512 = -1044/1512 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -29/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/56-72/54