Subtract 72/12 from 3/8
1st number: 3/8, 2nd number: 6 0/12
3/8 - 72/12 is -45/8.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 12 is 24
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 24 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 3 = 24,
3/8 = 3 × 3/8 × 3 = 9/24 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 2 = 24,
72/12 = 72 × 2/12 × 2 = 144/24 - Subtract the two like fractions:
9/24 - 144/24 = 9 - 144/24 = -135/24 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -45/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/8-72/12 3/16-72/12 3/8-72/24 9/8-72/12 3/24-72/12 3/8-72/36 15/8-72/12 3/40-72/12 3/8-72/60 21/8-72/12 3/56-72/12 3/8-72/84