Subtract 16/24 from 5/21
5/21 - 16/24 is -3/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 24 is 168
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 168 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 8 = 168,
5/21 = 5 × 8/21 × 8 = 40/168 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 24 × 7 = 168,
16/24 = 16 × 7/24 × 7 = 112/168 - Subtract the two like fractions:
40/168 - 112/168 = 40 - 112/168 = -72/168 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/7
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