Subtract 12/9 from 21/40
1st number: 21/40, 2nd number: 1 3/9
21/40 - 12/9 is -97/120.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 9 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
21/40 = 21 × 9/40 × 9 = 189/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 40 = 360,
12/9 = 12 × 40/9 × 40 = 480/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
189/360 - 480/360 = 189 - 480/360 = -291/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -97/120
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