Subtract 14/21 from 12/72
12/72 - 14/21 is -1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 21 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
12/72 = 12 × 7/72 × 7 = 84/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 24 = 504,
14/21 = 14 × 24/21 × 24 = 336/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
84/504 - 336/504 = 84 - 336/504 = -252/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/2
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