Subtract 1/40 from 1/56
1/56 - 1/40 is -1/140.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 40 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
1/56 = 1 × 5/56 × 5 = 5/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
1/40 = 1 × 7/40 × 7 = 7/280 - Subtract the two like fractions:
5/280 - 7/280 = 5 - 7/280 = -2/280 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/140
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/56-1/40 1/56-2/40 1/56-1/80 3/56-1/40 1/56-3/40 5/56-1/40 1/56-5/40 7/56-1/40 1/56-7/40