Subtract 21/9 from 40/8
1st number: 5 0/8, 2nd number: 2 3/9
40/8 - 21/9 is 8/3.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 9 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
40/8 = 40 × 9/8 × 9 = 360/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 8 = 72,
21/9 = 21 × 8/9 × 8 = 168/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
360/72 - 168/72 = 360 - 168/72 = 192/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 8/3
- In mixed form: 22/3
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/8-21/9 40/8-42/9 40/16-21/9 40/8-21/18 40/8-63/9 40/24-21/9 40/8-21/27 40/8-21/45 40/56-21/9 40/8-21/63