Subtract 6/16 from 21/72
21/72 - 6/16 is -1/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 16 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 16 × 9 = 144,
6/16 = 6 × 9/16 × 9 = 54/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/144 - 54/144 = 42 - 54/144 = -12/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/12
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