Subtract 54/72 from 9/40
9/40 - 54/72 is -21/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 72 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
9/40 = 9 × 9/40 × 9 = 81/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 5 = 360,
54/72 = 54 × 5/72 × 5 = 270/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
81/360 - 270/360 = 81 - 270/360 = -189/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -21/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 18/40-54/72 9/80-54/72 27/40-54/72 45/40-54/72 63/40-54/72