Subtract 8/72 from 5/2
1st number: 2 1/2, 2nd number: 8/72
5/2 - 8/72 is 43/18.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 36 = 72,
5/2 = 5 × 36/2 × 36 = 180/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
8/72 = 8 × 1/72 × 1 = 8/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
180/72 - 8/72 = 180 - 8/72 = 172/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 43/18
- In mixed form: 27/18
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/2-8/72 5/2-16/72 5/4-8/72 15/2-8/72 5/2-24/72 5/6-8/72 25/2-8/72 5/2-40/72 5/10-8/72 35/2-8/72 5/2-56/72 5/14-8/72