Subtract 12/72 from 2/21
2/21 - 12/72 is -1/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 72 is 504
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 24 = 504,
2/21 = 2 × 24/21 × 24 = 48/504 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
12/72 = 12 × 7/72 × 7 = 84/504 - Subtract the two like fractions:
48/504 - 84/504 = 48 - 84/504 = -36/504 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/14
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/21-12/72 2/21-24/72 2/42-12/72 6/21-12/72 2/21-36/72 2/63-12/72 10/21-12/72 2/21-60/72 14/21-12/72 2/21-84/72