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Subtract 21/8 from 7/18

1st number: 7/18, 2nd number: 2 5/8

7/18 - 21/8 is -161/72.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 18 and 8 is 72

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 72
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 4 = 72,
    7/18 = 7 × 4/18 × 4 = 28/72
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 9 = 72,
    21/8 = 21 × 9/8 × 9 = 189/72
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    28/72 - 189/72 = 28 - 189/72 = -161/72

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