Subtract 6/40 from 8/72
8/72 - 6/40 is -7/180.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
8/72 = 8 × 5/72 × 5 = 40/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
6/40 = 6 × 9/40 × 9 = 54/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
40/360 - 54/360 = 40 - 54/360 = -14/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/180
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 16/72-6/40 8/72-12/40 8/72-6/80 24/72-6/40 8/72-18/40 40/72-6/40 8/72-30/40 56/72-6/40 8/72-42/40