Subtract 18/56 from 5/21
5/21 - 18/56 is -1/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 56 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 8 = 168,
5/21 = 5 × 8/21 × 8 = 40/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 3 = 168,
18/56 = 18 × 3/56 × 3 = 54/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
40/168 - 54/168 = 40 - 54/168 = -14/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/12
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