Subtract 40/36 from 5/15
1st number: 5/15, 2nd number: 1 4/36
5/15 - 40/36 is -7/9.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 12 = 180,
5/15 = 5 × 12/15 × 12 = 60/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
40/36 = 40 × 5/36 × 5 = 200/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/180 - 200/180 = 60 - 200/180 = -140/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/9
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/15-40/36 5/15-80/36 5/30-40/36 5/15-40/72 5/45-40/36 25/15-40/36 5/75-40/36 35/15-40/36