Subtract 72/9 from 40/56, Solve 40/56

Subtract 72/9 from 40/56

1^st number: 40/56, 2^nd number: 8 0/9

40/56 - 72/9 is -51/7.

Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 9 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 9 × 56 = 504,
72/9 = 72 × 56/9 × 56 = 4032/504
Subtract the two like fractions:
360/504 - 4032/504 = 360 - 4032/504 = -3672/504
After reducing the fraction, the answer is -51/7

MathStep (Works offline)

Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad