Subtract 36/8 from 72/30
1st number: 2 12/30, 2nd number: 4 4/8
72/30 - 36/8 is -21/10.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 30 and 8 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 8 × 15 = 120,
36/8 = 36 × 15/8 × 15 = 540/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
288/120 - 540/120 = 288 - 540/120 = -252/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -21/10
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/30-72/8 72/60-36/8 72/30-36/16 72/90-36/8 72/30-36/24 72/30-36/40 72/30-36/56