Subtract 21/36 from 8/15
8/15 - 21/36 is -1/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 12 = 180,
8/15 = 8 × 12/15 × 12 = 96/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
21/36 = 21 × 5/36 × 5 = 105/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
96/180 - 105/180 = 96 - 105/180 = -9/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 16/15-21/36 8/15-42/36 8/30-21/36 8/15-21/72 24/15-21/36 8/15-63/36 8/45-21/36 40/15-21/36 8/75-21/36 56/15-21/36