Subtract 18/72 from 40/5
1st number: 8 0/5, 2nd number: 18/72
40/5 - 18/72 is 31/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 72 = 360,
40/5 = 40 × 72/5 × 72 = 2880/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
18/72 = 18 × 5/72 × 5 = 90/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
2880/360 - 90/360 = 2880 - 90/360 = 2790/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 31/4
- In mixed form: 73/4
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/5-18/72 40/5-36/72 40/10-18/72 40/5-54/72 40/15-18/72 40/5-90/72 40/25-18/72 40/35-18/72