Subtract 84/56 from 72/84
1st number: 72/84, 2nd number: 1 28/56
72/84 - 84/56 is -9/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 56 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 2 = 168,
72/84 = 72 × 2/84 × 2 = 144/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
84/56 = 84 × 3/56 × 3 = 252/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
144/168 - 252/168 = 144 - 252/168 = -108/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -9/14
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: