Answers

Subtract 81/16 from 50/72

1^st number: 50/72, 2^nd number: 5 1/16

50/72 - 81/16 is -629/144.

Steps for subtracting fractions

1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
   LCM of 72 and 16 is 144
   
   Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144
2. For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
   50/72 = 50 × 2/72 × 2 = 100/144
3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
   81/16 = 81 × 9/16 × 9 = 729/144
4. Subtract the two like fractions:
   100/144 - 729/144 = 100 - 729/144 = -629/144

MathStep (Works offline)

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

Related: ⁵⁰/₇₂-⁸¹/₃₂ ⁵⁰/₇₂-⁸¹/₄₈ ⁵⁰/₇₂-⁸¹/₈₀

Subtract Fractions Calculator