Subtract 12/27 from 20/72
20/72 - 12/27 is -1/6.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 27 is 216
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 216 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 3 = 216,
20/72 = 20 × 3/72 × 3 = 60/216 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 27 × 8 = 216,
12/27 = 12 × 8/27 × 8 = 96/216 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/216 - 96/216 = 60 - 96/216 = -36/216 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/6
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 40/72-12/27 20/72-24/27 20/72-12/54 60/72-12/27 20/72-36/27 20/72-12/81 20/72-60/27 20/72-84/27