Subtract 40/7 from 72/12
1st number: 6 0/12, 2nd number: 5 5/7
72/12 - 40/7 is 2/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 7 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
72/12 = 72 × 7/12 × 7 = 504/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 7 × 12 = 84,
40/7 = 40 × 12/7 × 12 = 480/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
504/84 - 480/84 = 504 - 480/84 = 24/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 2/7
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/12-80/7 72/24-40/7 72/12-40/14 72/36-40/7 72/12-40/21 72/60-40/7 72/12-40/35 72/84-40/7 72/12-40/49