Subtract 21/40 from 7/21
7/21 - 21/40 is -23/120.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 40 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 40 = 840,
7/21 = 7 × 40/21 × 40 = 280/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
21/40 = 21 × 21/40 × 21 = 441/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
280/840 - 441/840 = 280 - 441/840 = -161/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -23/120
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