Subtract 8/40 from 2/12
2/12 - 8/40 is -1/30.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 10 = 120,
2/12 = 2 × 10/12 × 10 = 20/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
8/40 = 8 × 3/40 × 3 = 24/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
20/120 - 24/120 = 20 - 24/120 = -4/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/30
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/12-8/40 2/12-16/40 2/24-8/40 2/12-8/80 6/12-8/40 2/12-24/40 2/36-8/40 10/12-8/40 2/60-8/40 14/12-8/40 2/12-56/40 2/84-8/40