Subtract 5/72 from 21/27
21/27 - 5/72 is 17/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 27 and 72 is 216
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 216 - For the 1st fraction, since 27 × 8 = 216,
21/27 = 21 × 8/27 × 8 = 168/216 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 3 = 216,
5/72 = 5 × 3/72 × 3 = 15/216 - Subtract the two like fractions:
168/216 - 15/216 = 168 - 15/216 = 153/216 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 17/24
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/27-5/72 21/27-10/72 21/54-5/72 63/27-5/72 21/27-15/72 21/81-5/72 21/27-25/72 21/27-35/72