Subtract 14/32 from 21/72
21/72 - 14/32 is -7/48.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 32 is 288
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 288 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 4 = 288,
21/72 = 21 × 4/72 × 4 = 84/288 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 9 = 288,
14/32 = 14 × 9/32 × 9 = 126/288 - Subtract the two like fractions:
84/288 - 126/288 = 84 - 126/288 = -42/288 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/48
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/72-14/32 21/72-28/32 21/72-14/64 63/72-14/32 21/72-42/32 21/72-14/96 21/72-70/32 21/72-98/32