Subtract 21/9 from 40/24
1st number: 1 16/24, 2nd number: 2 3/9
40/24 - 21/9 is -2/3.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 24 and 9 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 24 × 3 = 72,
40/24 = 40 × 3/24 × 3 = 120/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 8 = 72,
21/9 = 21 × 8/9 × 8 = 168/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
120/72 - 168/72 = 120 - 168/72 = -48/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/3
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/24-21/9 40/24-42/9 40/48-21/9 40/24-21/18 40/24-63/9 40/72-21/9 40/24-21/27 40/24-21/45 40/24-21/63