Subtract 40/5 from 21/36
1st number: 21/36, 2nd number: 8 0/5
21/36 - 40/5 is -89/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 5 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
21/36 = 21 × 5/36 × 5 = 105/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 36 = 180,
40/5 = 40 × 36/5 × 36 = 1440/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
105/180 - 1440/180 = 105 - 1440/180 = -1335/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -89/12
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/36-40/5 21/36-80/5 21/72-40/5 21/36-40/10 63/36-40/5 21/36-40/15 21/36-40/25 21/36-40/35