Subtract 84/40 from 48/72
1st number: 48/72, 2nd number: 2 4/40
48/72 - 84/40 is -43/30.
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,
48/72 = 48 × 5/72 × 5 = 240/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
84/40 = 84 × 9/40 × 9 = 756/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
240/360 - 756/360 = 240 - 756/360 = -516/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -43/30
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 96/72-84/40 48/72-84/80