Subtract 16/24 from 21/40
21/40 - 16/24 is -17/120.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 24 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
21/40 = 21 × 3/40 × 3 = 63/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 24 × 5 = 120,
16/24 = 16 × 5/24 × 5 = 80/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
63/120 - 80/120 = 63 - 80/120 = -17/120
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