Subtract 45/12 from 72/21
1st number: 3 9/21, 2nd number: 3 9/12
72/21 - 45/12 is -9/28.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 12 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 4 = 84,
72/21 = 72 × 4/21 × 4 = 288/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
45/12 = 45 × 7/12 × 7 = 315/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
288/84 - 315/84 = 288 - 315/84 = -27/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -9/28
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