Subtract 3/5 from 72/18
1st number: 4 0/18, 2nd number: 3/5
72/18 - 3/5 is 17/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 5 is 90
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 90 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 5 = 90,
72/18 = 72 × 5/18 × 5 = 360/90 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 18 = 90,
3/5 = 3 × 18/5 × 18 = 54/90 - Subtract the two like fractions:
360/90 - 54/90 = 360 - 54/90 = 306/90 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 17/5
- In mixed form: 32/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/18-6/5 72/36-3/5 72/18-3/10 72/18-9/5 72/54-3/5 72/18-3/15 72/18-15/5 72/90-3/5 72/18-3/25 72/18-21/5 72/18-3/35