Subtract 2/72 from 16/4
1st number: 4 0/4, 2nd number: 2/72
16/4 - 2/72 is 143/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 4 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 4 × 18 = 72,
16/4 = 16 × 18/4 × 18 = 288/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
2/72 = 2 × 1/72 × 1 = 2/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
288/72 - 2/72 = 288 - 2/72 = 286/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 143/36
- In mixed form: 335/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 32/4-2/72 16/4-4/72 16/8-2/72 48/4-2/72 16/4-6/72 16/12-2/72 80/4-2/72 16/4-10/72 16/20-2/72 16/4-14/72 16/28-2/72