Subtract 21/48 from 21/72
21/72 - 21/48 is -7/48.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 48 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
21/72 = 21 × 2/72 × 2 = 42/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
21/48 = 21 × 3/48 × 3 = 63/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/144 - 63/144 = 42 - 63/144 = -21/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/48
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