Subtract 5/7 from 12/72
12/72 - 5/7 is -23/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 7 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 7 × 72 = 504,
5/7 = 5 × 72/7 × 72 = 360/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
84/504 - 360/504 = 84 - 360/504 = -276/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -23/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/72-5/7 12/72-10/7 12/72-5/14 36/72-5/7 12/72-15/7 12/72-5/21 60/72-5/7 12/72-25/7 12/72-5/35 84/72-5/7 12/72-35/7 12/72-5/49