Subtract 2/16 from 8/72
8/72 - 2/16 is -1/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 2 = 144,
8/72 = 8 × 2/72 × 2 = 16/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
2/16 = 2 × 9/16 × 9 = 18/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
16/144 - 18/144 = 16 - 18/144 = -2/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 16/72-2/16 8/72-4/16 8/72-2/32 24/72-2/16 8/72-6/16 8/72-2/48 40/72-2/16 8/72-10/16 8/72-2/80 56/72-2/16 8/72-14/16