Subtract 15/27 from 4/72
4/72 - 15/27 is -1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 27 is 216
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 216 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 3 = 216,
4/72 = 4 × 3/72 × 3 = 12/216 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 8 = 216,
15/27 = 15 × 8/27 × 8 = 120/216 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/216 - 120/216 = 12 - 120/216 = -108/216 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/2
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/72-15/27 4/72-30/27 4/72-15/54 12/72-15/27 4/72-45/27 4/72-15/81 20/72-15/27 4/72-75/27 28/72-15/27