Subtract 21/8 from 40/9
1st number: 4 4/9, 2nd number: 2 5/8
40/9 - 21/8 is 131/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 8 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 8 = 72,
40/9 = 40 × 8/9 × 8 = 320/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
21/8 = 21 × 9/8 × 9 = 189/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
320/72 - 189/72 = 320 - 189/72 = 131/72 - In mixed form: 159/72
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