Subtract 16/72 from 21/12
1st number: 1 9/12, 2nd number: 16/72
21/12 - 16/72 is 55/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 72 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 6 = 72,
21/12 = 21 × 6/12 × 6 = 126/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
16/72 = 16 × 1/72 × 1 = 16/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/72 - 16/72 = 126 - 16/72 = 110/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 55/36
- In mixed form: 119/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/12-16/72 21/12-32/72 21/24-16/72 63/12-16/72 21/12-48/72 21/36-16/72 21/12-80/72 21/60-16/72 21/84-16/72