Subtract 72/18 from 2/84
1st number: 2/84, 2nd number: 4 0/18
2/84 - 72/18 is -167/42.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 18 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 3 = 252,
2/84 = 2 × 3/84 × 3 = 6/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 14 = 252,
72/18 = 72 × 14/18 × 14 = 1008/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
6/252 - 1008/252 = 6 - 1008/252 = -1002/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -167/42
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/84-72/18 2/84-72/36 6/84-72/18 2/84-72/54 10/84-72/18 2/84-72/90 14/84-72/18