Subtract 20/8 from 72/36
1st number: 2 0/36, 2nd number: 2 4/8
72/36 - 20/8 is -1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 8 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 2 = 72,
72/36 = 72 × 2/36 × 2 = 144/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
20/8 = 20 × 9/8 × 9 = 180/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
144/72 - 180/72 = 144 - 180/72 = -36/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/2
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/36-40/8 72/36-20/16 72/36-60/8 72/36-20/24 72/36-20/40 72/36-20/56