Subtract 21/18 from 5/8
1st number: 5/8, 2nd number: 1 3/18
5/8 - 21/18 is -13/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 18 is 72
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
5/8 = 5 × 9/8 × 9 = 45/72 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
21/18 = 21 × 4/18 × 4 = 84/72 - Subtract the two like fractions:
45/72 - 84/72 = 45 - 84/72 = -39/72 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -13/24
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