Subtract 14/16 from 72/84
72/84 - 14/16 is -1/56.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 4 = 336,
72/84 = 72 × 4/84 × 4 = 288/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
14/16 = 14 × 21/16 × 21 = 294/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
288/336 - 294/336 = 288 - 294/336 = -6/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/56
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/84-28/16 72/84-14/32 72/84-42/16 72/84-14/48 72/84-70/16 72/84-14/80 72/84-98/16