Subtract 15/60 from 72/45
1st number: 1 27/45, 2nd number: 15/60
72/45 - 15/60 is 27/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 60 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
72/45 = 72 × 4/45 × 4 = 288/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 60 × 3 = 180,
15/60 = 15 × 3/60 × 3 = 45/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
288/180 - 45/180 = 288 - 45/180 = 243/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 27/20
- In mixed form: 17/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/45-30/60 72/90-15/60 72/45-45/60 72/45-75/60