Subtract 72/36 from 4/40
1st number: 4/40, 2nd number: 2 0/36
4/40 - 72/36 is -19/10.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 36 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
4/40 = 4 × 9/40 × 9 = 36/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 10 = 360,
72/36 = 72 × 10/36 × 10 = 720/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/360 - 720/360 = 36 - 720/360 = -684/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -19/10
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/40-72/36 4/80-72/36 12/40-72/36 20/40-72/36 28/40-72/36