Subtract 27/72 from 12/84
12/84 - 27/72 is -13/56.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 6 = 504,
12/84 = 12 × 6/84 × 6 = 72/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
27/72 = 27 × 7/72 × 7 = 189/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
72/504 - 189/504 = 72 - 189/504 = -117/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -13/56
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/84-27/72 12/84-54/72 36/84-27/72 12/84-81/72 60/84-27/72