Subtract 54/21 from 3/72, Solve 3/72

Subtract 54/21 from 3/72

1^st number: 3/72, 2^nd number: 2 12/21

3/72 - 54/21 is -425/168.

Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 21 is 504

Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504
For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
3/72 = 3 × 7/72 × 7 = 21/504
Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 24 = 504,
54/21 = 54 × 24/21 × 24 = 1296/504
Subtract the two like fractions:
21/504 - 1296/504 = 21 - 1296/504 = -1275/504
After reducing the fraction, the answer is -425/168

MathStep (Works offline)

Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad