Subtract 56/40 from 21/24
1st number: 21/24, 2nd number: 1 16/40
21/24 - 56/40 is -21/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 24 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 24 × 5 = 120,
21/24 = 21 × 5/24 × 5 = 105/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
56/40 = 56 × 3/40 × 3 = 168/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
105/120 - 168/120 = 105 - 168/120 = -63/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -21/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/24-56/40 21/48-56/40 21/24-56/80 63/24-56/40 21/72-56/40