Subtract 20/40 from 72/36
1st number: 2 0/36, 2nd number: 20/40
72/36 - 20/40 is 3/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 10 = 360,
72/36 = 72 × 10/36 × 10 = 720/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
20/40 = 20 × 9/40 × 9 = 180/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
720/360 - 180/360 = 720 - 180/360 = 540/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 3/2
- In mixed form: 11/2
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/36-20/80 72/36-60/40