Subtract 84/16 from 56/72
1st number: 56/72, 2nd number: 5 4/16
56/72 - 84/16 is -161/36.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- 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 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
56/72 = 56 × 2/72 × 2 = 112/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
84/16 = 84 × 9/16 × 9 = 756/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
112/144 - 756/144 = 112 - 756/144 = -644/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -161/36
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 56/72-84/32 56/72-84/48 56/72-84/80