Subtract 1/4 from 4/72
4/72 - 1/4 is -7/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 4 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
4/72 = 4 × 1/72 × 1 = 4/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 4 × 18 = 72,
1/4 = 1 × 18/4 × 18 = 18/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
4/72 - 18/72 = 4 - 18/72 = -14/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/72-1/4 4/72-2/4 4/72-1/8 12/72-1/4 4/72-3/4 4/72-1/12 20/72-1/4 4/72-5/4 4/72-1/20 28/72-1/4 4/72-7/4 4/72-1/28