Subtract 49/40 from 72/84
1st number: 72/84, 2nd number: 1 9/40
72/84 - 49/40 is -103/280.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 40 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 10 = 840,
72/84 = 72 × 10/84 × 10 = 720/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
49/40 = 49 × 21/40 × 21 = 1029/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
720/840 - 1029/840 = 720 - 1029/840 = -309/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -103/280
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/84-98/40 72/84-49/80