Subtract 18/21 from 3/8
3/8 - 18/21 is -27/56.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 21 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 21 = 168,
3/8 = 3 × 21/8 × 21 = 63/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 8 = 168,
18/21 = 18 × 8/21 × 8 = 144/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
63/168 - 144/168 = 63 - 144/168 = -81/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -27/56
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