Subtract 36/9 from 5/21
1st number: 5/21, 2nd number: 4 0/9
5/21 - 36/9 is -79/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 9 is 63
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 63 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 3 = 63,
5/21 = 5 × 3/21 × 3 = 15/63 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 7 = 63,
36/9 = 36 × 7/9 × 7 = 252/63 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/63 - 252/63 = 15 - 252/63 = -237/63 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -79/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/21-36/9 5/21-72/9 5/42-36/9 5/21-36/18 15/21-36/9 5/63-36/9 5/21-36/27 25/21-36/9 5/21-36/45 35/21-36/9 5/21-36/63