Subtract 1/3 from 5/72
5/72 - 1/3 is -19/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 3 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
5/72 = 5 × 1/72 × 1 = 5/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 3 × 24 = 72,
1/3 = 1 × 24/3 × 24 = 24/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
5/72 - 24/72 = 5 - 24/72 = -19/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/72-1/3 5/72-2/3 5/72-1/6 15/72-1/3 5/72-1/9 25/72-1/3 5/72-5/3 5/72-1/15 35/72-1/3 5/72-7/3 5/72-1/21