Subtract 21/8 from 36/15
1st number: 2 6/15, 2nd number: 2 5/8
36/15 - 21/8 is -9/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 8 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 8 = 120,
36/15 = 36 × 8/15 × 8 = 288/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 15 = 120,
21/8 = 21 × 15/8 × 15 = 315/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
288/120 - 315/120 = 288 - 315/120 = -27/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -9/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/15-21/8 36/15-42/8 36/30-21/8 36/15-21/16 36/15-63/8 36/45-21/8 36/15-21/24 36/75-21/8 36/15-21/40 36/15-21/56