Subtract 35/8 from 72/21
1st number: 3 9/21, 2nd number: 4 3/8
72/21 - 35/8 is -53/56.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 8 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 8 = 168,
72/21 = 72 × 8/21 × 8 = 576/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
35/8 = 35 × 21/8 × 21 = 735/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
576/168 - 735/168 = 576 - 735/168 = -159/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -53/56
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/21-70/8 72/42-35/8 72/21-35/16 72/63-35/8 72/21-35/24 72/21-35/40 72/21-35/56