Subtract 50/18 from 81/72
1st number: 1 9/72, 2nd number: 2 14/18
81/72 - 50/18 is -119/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 72 and 18 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
81/72 = 81 × 1/72 × 1 = 81/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
50/18 = 50 × 4/18 × 4 = 200/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
81/72 - 200/72 = 81 - 200/72 = -119/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 81/72-50/36 81/72-50/54 81/72-50/90