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Subtract 16/21 from 40/54

40/54 - 16/21 is -4/189.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 54 and 21 is 378

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 378
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 54 × 7 = 378,
    40/54 = 40 × 7/54 × 7 = 280/378
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 18 = 378,
    16/21 = 16 × 18/21 × 18 = 288/378
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    280/378 - 288/378 = 280 - 288/378 = -8/378
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -4/189

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