Subtract 2/40 from 72/9
1st number: 8 0/9, 2nd number: 2/40
72/9 - 2/40 is 159/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 40 = 360,
72/9 = 72 × 40/9 × 40 = 2880/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
2/40 = 2 × 9/40 × 9 = 18/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
2880/360 - 18/360 = 2880 - 18/360 = 2862/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 159/20
- In mixed form: 719/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/9-4/40 72/18-2/40 72/9-2/80 72/9-6/40 72/27-2/40 72/9-10/40 72/45-2/40 72/9-14/40 72/63-2/40