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Subtract 15/8 from 21/36

1st number: 21/36, 2nd number: 1 7/8

21/36 - 15/8 is -31/24.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 36 and 8 is 72

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 2 = 72,
    21/36 = 21 × 2/36 × 2 = 42/72
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
    15/8 = 15 × 9/8 × 9 = 135/72
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    42/72 - 135/72 = 42 - 135/72 = -93/72
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -31/24

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