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Subtract 5/8 from 12/21

12/21 - 5/8 is -3/56.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 21 and 8 is 168

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 8 = 168,
    12/21 = 12 × 8/21 × 8 = 96/168
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
    5/8 = 5 × 21/8 × 21 = 105/168
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    96/168 - 105/168 = 96 - 105/168 = -9/168
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/56

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