Subtract 2/20 from 4/72
4/72 - 2/20 is -2/45.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 20 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
4/72 = 4 × 5/72 × 5 = 20/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 18 = 360,
2/20 = 2 × 18/20 × 18 = 36/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
20/360 - 36/360 = 20 - 36/360 = -16/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/45
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/72-2/20 4/72-4/20 4/72-2/40 12/72-2/20 4/72-6/20 4/72-2/60 20/72-2/20 4/72-10/20 28/72-2/20 4/72-14/20