Subtract 3/9 from 12/72
12/72 - 3/9 is -1/6.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 9 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
12/72 = 12 × 1/72 × 1 = 12/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 8 = 72,
3/9 = 3 × 8/9 × 8 = 24/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/72 - 24/72 = 12 - 24/72 = -12/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/6
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/72-3/9 12/72-6/9 12/72-3/18 36/72-3/9 12/72-3/27 60/72-3/9 12/72-15/9 12/72-3/45 84/72-3/9 12/72-21/9 12/72-3/63