Subtract 21/18 from 24/40
1st number: 24/40, 2nd number: 1 3/18
24/40 - 21/18 is -17/30.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 18 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
24/40 = 24 × 9/40 × 9 = 216/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 20 = 360,
21/18 = 21 × 20/18 × 20 = 420/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
216/360 - 420/360 = 216 - 420/360 = -204/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/30
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 48/40-21/18 24/40-42/18 24/80-21/18 24/40-21/36 72/40-21/18 24/40-63/18 24/40-21/54 24/40-21/90