Subtract 72/60 from 72/84
1st number: 72/84, 2nd number: 1 12/60
72/84 - 72/60 is -12/35.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 60 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 5 = 420,
72/84 = 72 × 5/84 × 5 = 360/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 60 × 7 = 420,
72/60 = 72 × 7/60 × 7 = 504/420 - Subtract the two like fractions:
360/420 - 504/420 = 360 - 504/420 = -144/420 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -12/35
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: