Subtract 9/12 from 18/72
18/72 - 9/12 is -1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 12 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
18/72 = 18 × 1/72 × 1 = 18/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 6 = 72,
9/12 = 9 × 6/12 × 6 = 54/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
18/72 - 54/72 = 18 - 54/72 = -36/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/2
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/72-9/12 18/72-18/12 18/72-9/24 54/72-9/12 18/72-27/12 18/72-9/36 90/72-9/12 18/72-45/12 18/72-9/60 18/72-63/12 18/72-9/84