Subtract 16/40 from 72/30
1st number: 2 12/30, 2nd number: 16/40
72/30 - 16/40 is 2/1.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 30 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 30 × 4 = 120,
72/30 = 72 × 4/30 × 4 = 288/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
16/40 = 16 × 3/40 × 3 = 48/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
288/120 - 48/120 = 288 - 48/120 = 240/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 2/1
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/30-32/40 72/60-16/40 72/30-16/80 72/30-48/40 72/90-16/40 72/30-80/40