Subtract 60/40 from 60/72
1st number: 60/72, 2nd number: 1 20/40
60/72 - 60/40 is -2/3.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
60/72 = 60 × 5/72 × 5 = 300/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
60/40 = 60 × 9/40 × 9 = 540/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
300/360 - 540/360 = 300 - 540/360 = -240/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/3
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 60/72-60/80