Subtract 16/72 from 21/48
21/48 - 16/72 is 31/144.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 72 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
21/48 = 21 × 3/48 × 3 = 63/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
16/72 = 16 × 2/72 × 2 = 32/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
63/144 - 32/144 = 63 - 32/144 = 31/144
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