Subtract 20/72 from 5/45
5/45 - 20/72 is -1/6.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 8 = 360,
5/45 = 5 × 8/45 × 8 = 40/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
20/72 = 20 × 5/72 × 5 = 100/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
40/360 - 100/360 = 40 - 100/360 = -60/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/6
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/45-20/72 5/45-40/72 5/90-20/72 15/45-20/72 5/45-60/72 25/45-20/72 35/45-20/72