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Subtract 3/8 from 21/72

21/72 - 3/8 is -1/12.

Steps for subtracting fractions

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

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 72 × 1 = 72,
    21/72 = 21 × 1/72 × 1 = 21/72
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
    3/8 = 3 × 9/8 × 9 = 27/72
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    21/72 - 27/72 = 21 - 27/72 = -6/72
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/12

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