Subtract 72/4 from 5/21
1st number: 5/21, 2nd number: 18 0/4
5/21 - 72/4 is -373/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 4 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 4 = 84,
5/21 = 5 × 4/21 × 4 = 20/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 4 × 21 = 84,
72/4 = 72 × 21/4 × 21 = 1512/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
20/84 - 1512/84 = 20 - 1512/84 = -1492/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -373/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/21-72/4 5/42-72/4 5/21-72/8 15/21-72/4 5/63-72/4 5/21-72/12 25/21-72/4 5/21-72/20 35/21-72/4 5/21-72/28