Subtract 21/72 from 1/16
1/16 - 21/72 is -11/48.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 72 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
1/16 = 1 × 9/16 × 9 = 9/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
21/72 = 21 × 2/72 × 2 = 42/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
9/144 - 42/144 = 9 - 42/144 = -33/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/48
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/16-21/72 1/16-42/72 1/32-21/72 3/16-21/72 1/16-63/72 1/48-21/72 5/16-21/72 1/80-21/72 7/16-21/72