Subtract 9/20 from 72/15
1st number: 4 12/15, 2nd number: 9/20
72/15 - 9/20 is 87/20.
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,
72/15 = 72 × 4/15 × 4 = 288/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 3 = 60,
9/20 = 9 × 3/20 × 3 = 27/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
288/60 - 27/60 = 288 - 27/60 = 261/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 87/20
- In mixed form: 47/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/15-18/20 72/30-9/20 72/15-9/40 72/15-27/20 72/45-9/20 72/15-9/60 72/15-45/20 72/75-9/20 72/15-63/20