Subtract 2/16 from 5/36
5/36 - 2/16 is 1/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 4 = 144,
5/36 = 5 × 4/36 × 4 = 20/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
2/16 = 2 × 9/16 × 9 = 18/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
20/144 - 18/144 = 20 - 18/144 = 2/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 1/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/36-2/16 5/36-4/16 5/72-2/16 5/36-2/32 15/36-2/16 5/36-6/16 5/36-2/48 25/36-2/16 5/36-10/16 5/36-2/80 35/36-2/16 5/36-14/16