Subtract 15/40 from 72/15
1st number: 4 12/15, 2nd number: 15/40
72/15 - 15/40 is 177/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 8 = 120,
72/15 = 72 × 8/15 × 8 = 576/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
15/40 = 15 × 3/40 × 3 = 45/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
576/120 - 45/120 = 576 - 45/120 = 531/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 177/40
- In mixed form: 417/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/15-30/40 72/30-15/40 72/15-15/80 72/15-45/40 72/45-15/40 72/15-75/40 72/75-15/40