Subtract 72/56 from 12/84
1st number: 12/84, 2nd number: 1 16/56
12/84 - 72/56 is -8/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 56 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 2 = 168,
12/84 = 12 × 2/84 × 2 = 24/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
72/56 = 72 × 3/56 × 3 = 216/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/168 - 216/168 = 24 - 216/168 = -192/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -8/7
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/84-72/56 36/84-72/56 60/84-72/56