Subtract 40/18 from 21/16
1st number: 1 5/16, 2nd number: 2 4/18
21/16 - 40/18 is -131/144.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 18 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
21/16 = 21 × 9/16 × 9 = 189/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 8 = 144,
40/18 = 40 × 8/18 × 8 = 320/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
189/144 - 320/144 = 189 - 320/144 = -131/144
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