Subtract 72/16 from 3/12
1st number: 3/12, 2nd number: 4 8/16
3/12 - 72/16 is -17/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 16 is 48
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 48 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 4 = 48,
3/12 = 3 × 4/12 × 4 = 12/48 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 3 = 48,
72/16 = 72 × 3/16 × 3 = 216/48 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/48 - 216/48 = 12 - 216/48 = -204/48 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/4
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/12-72/16 3/24-72/16 3/12-72/32 9/12-72/16 3/36-72/16 3/12-72/48 15/12-72/16 3/60-72/16 3/12-72/80 21/12-72/16 3/84-72/16