Subtract 84/16 from 72/84
1st number: 72/84, 2nd number: 5 4/16
72/84 - 84/16 is -123/28.
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,
84/16 = 84 × 21/16 × 21 = 1764/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
288/336 - 1764/336 = 288 - 1764/336 = -1476/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -123/28
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/84-84/32 72/84-84/48 72/84-84/80