Subtract 32/40 from 40/72
40/72 - 32/40 is -11/45.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 40 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 40 × 9 = 360,
32/40 = 32 × 9/40 × 9 = 288/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
200/360 - 288/360 = 200 - 288/360 = -88/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/45
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/72-32/40 40/72-64/40 40/72-32/80 40/72-96/40