Subtract 21/40 from 1/2
1/2 - 21/40 is -1/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 40 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 20 = 40,
1/2 = 1 × 20/2 × 20 = 20/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
21/40 = 21 × 1/40 × 1 = 21/40 - Subtract the two like fractions:
20/40 - 21/40 = 20 - 21/40 = -1/40
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