Subtract 12/72 from 7/48
7/48 - 12/72 is -1/48.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 48 and 72 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 3 = 144,
7/48 = 7 × 3/48 × 3 = 21/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
12/72 = 12 × 2/72 × 2 = 24/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
21/144 - 24/144 = 21 - 24/144 = -3/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/48
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 14/48-12/72 7/48-24/72 7/96-12/72 21/48-12/72 7/48-36/72 35/48-12/72 7/48-60/72 49/48-12/72 7/48-84/72