Subtract 12/72 from 40/56
40/56 - 12/72 is 23/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 9 = 504,
40/56 = 40 × 9/56 × 9 = 360/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
12/72 = 12 × 7/72 × 7 = 84/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
360/504 - 84/504 = 360 - 84/504 = 276/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 23/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/56-12/72 40/56-24/72 40/56-36/72 40/56-60/72 40/56-84/72