Subtract 45/18 from 72/5, Solve 14 2/5

Subtract 45/18 from 72/5

1^st number: 14 2/5, 2^nd number: 2 9/18

72/5 - 45/18 is 119/10.

Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 18 is 90

Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 90
For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 18 = 90,
72/5 = 72 × 18/5 × 18 = 1296/90
Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 5 = 90,
45/18 = 45 × 5/18 × 5 = 225/90
Subtract the two like fractions:
1296/90 - 225/90 = 1296 - 225/90 = 1071/90
After reducing the fraction, the answer is 119/10
In mixed form: 119/10

MathStep (Works offline)

Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad