Subtract 21/8 from 3/36
1st number: 3/36, 2nd number: 2 5/8
3/36 - 21/8 is -61/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 8 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 2 = 72,
3/36 = 3 × 2/36 × 2 = 6/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
21/8 = 21 × 9/8 × 9 = 189/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
6/72 - 189/72 = 6 - 189/72 = -183/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -61/24
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/36-21/8 3/36-42/8 3/72-21/8 3/36-21/16 9/36-21/8 3/36-63/8 3/36-21/24 15/36-21/8 3/36-21/40 21/36-21/8 3/36-21/56