Subtract 1/5 from 40/72
40/72 - 1/5 is 16/45.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 5 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
40/72 = 40 × 5/72 × 5 = 200/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 72 = 360,
1/5 = 1 × 72/5 × 72 = 72/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
200/360 - 72/360 = 200 - 72/360 = 128/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 16/45
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/72-1/5 40/72-2/5 40/72-1/10 40/72-3/5 40/72-1/15 40/72-1/25 40/72-7/5 40/72-1/35