Subtract 60/40 from 72/36
1st number: 2 0/36, 2nd number: 1 20/40
72/36 - 60/40 is 1/2.
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,
60/40 = 60 × 9/40 × 9 = 540/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
720/360 - 540/360 = 720 - 540/360 = 180/360 - 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: 72/36-60/80