Subtract 72/20 from 50/15
1st number: 3 5/15, 2nd number: 3 12/20
50/15 - 72/20 is -4/15.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 20 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 4 = 60,
50/15 = 50 × 4/15 × 4 = 200/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 3 = 60,
72/20 = 72 × 3/20 × 3 = 216/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
200/60 - 216/60 = 200 - 216/60 = -16/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -4/15
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 50/30-72/20 50/15-72/40 50/45-72/20 50/15-72/60 50/75-72/20