Subtract 72/60 from 5/40
1st number: 5/40, 2nd number: 1 12/60
5/40 - 72/60 is -43/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 60 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
5/40 = 5 × 3/40 × 3 = 15/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 60 × 2 = 120,
72/60 = 72 × 2/60 × 2 = 144/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/120 - 144/120 = 15 - 144/120 = -129/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -43/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/40-72/60 5/80-72/60 15/40-72/60 25/40-72/60 35/40-72/60