Subtract 2/15 from 5/72
5/72 - 2/15 is -23/360.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 15 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
5/72 = 5 × 5/72 × 5 = 25/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 24 = 360,
2/15 = 2 × 24/15 × 24 = 48/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
25/360 - 48/360 = 25 - 48/360 = -23/360
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/72-2/15 5/72-4/15 5/72-2/30 15/72-2/15 5/72-6/15 5/72-2/45 25/72-2/15 5/72-10/15 5/72-2/75 35/72-2/15 5/72-14/15