Subtract 21/36 from 3/8
3/8 - 21/36 is -5/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 36 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
3/8 = 3 × 9/8 × 9 = 27/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 2 = 72,
21/36 = 21 × 2/36 × 2 = 42/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
27/72 - 42/72 = 27 - 42/72 = -15/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/24
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