Answers

Subtract 40/24 from 21/18

1^st number: 1 3/18, 2^nd number: 1 16/24

21/18 - 40/24 is -1/2.

Steps for subtracting fractions

1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
   LCM of 18 and 24 is 72
   
   Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72
2. For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
   21/18 = 21 × 4/18 × 4 = 84/72
3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 24 × 3 = 72,
   40/24 = 40 × 3/24 × 3 = 120/72
4. Subtract the two like fractions:
   84/72 - 120/72 = 84 - 120/72 = -36/72
5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/2

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