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Subtract 21/8 from 5/2

1st number: 2 1/2, 2nd number: 2 5/8

5/2 - 21/8 is -1/8.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 2 and 8 is 8

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 8
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 4 = 8,
    5/2 = 5 × 4/2 × 4 = 20/8
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 1 = 8,
    21/8 = 21 × 1/8 × 1 = 21/8
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    20/8 - 21/8 = 20 - 21/8 = -1/8

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