Subtract 21/72 from 50/45
1st number: 1 5/45, 2nd number: 21/72
50/45 - 21/72 is 59/72.
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,
50/45 = 50 × 8/45 × 8 = 400/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
21/72 = 21 × 5/72 × 5 = 105/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
400/360 - 105/360 = 400 - 105/360 = 295/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 59/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 50/45-42/72 50/90-21/72 50/45-63/72