Subtract 72/12 from 18/9
1st number: 2 0/9, 2nd number: 6 0/12
18/9 - 72/12 is -4/1.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 12 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 4 = 36,
18/9 = 18 × 4/9 × 4 = 72/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
72/12 = 72 × 3/12 × 3 = 216/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
72/36 - 216/36 = 72 - 216/36 = -144/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -4/1
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 36/9-72/12 18/9-72/24 54/9-72/12 18/27-72/12 18/9-72/36 90/9-72/12 18/45-72/12 18/9-72/60 18/63-72/12 18/9-72/84