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Subtract 15/16 from 21/40

21/40 - 15/16 is -33/80.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 40 and 16 is 80

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 80
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 2 = 80,
    21/40 = 21 × 2/40 × 2 = 42/80
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 5 = 80,
    15/16 = 15 × 5/16 × 5 = 75/80
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    42/80 - 75/80 = 42 - 75/80 = -33/80

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