Subtract 40/16 from 21/9
1st number: 2 3/9, 2nd number: 2 8/16
21/9 - 40/16 is -1/6.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 16 is 144
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 144 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 16 = 144,
21/9 = 21 × 16/9 × 16 = 336/144 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 9 = 144,
40/16 = 40 × 9/16 × 9 = 360/144 - Subtract the two like fractions:
336/144 - 360/144 = 336 - 360/144 = -24/144 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/6
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