Subtract 72/9 from 12/16
1st number: 12/16, 2nd number: 8 0/9
12/16 - 72/9 is -29/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 9 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
12/16 = 12 × 9/16 × 9 = 108/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 16 = 144,
72/9 = 72 × 16/9 × 16 = 1152/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
108/144 - 1152/144 = 108 - 1152/144 = -1044/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -29/4
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/16-72/9 12/32-72/9 12/16-72/18 36/16-72/9 12/48-72/9 12/16-72/27 60/16-72/9 12/80-72/9 12/16-72/45 84/16-72/9 12/16-72/63