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Subtract 12/5 from 21/16

1st number: 1 5/16, 2nd number: 2 2/5

21/16 - 12/5 is -87/80.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 16 and 5 is 80

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 80
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 5 = 80,
    21/16 = 21 × 5/16 × 5 = 105/80
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 16 = 80,
    12/5 = 12 × 16/5 × 16 = 192/80
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    105/80 - 192/80 = 105 - 192/80 = -87/80

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