Subtract 54/40 from 2/5
1st number: 2/5, 2nd number: 1 14/40
2/5 - 54/40 is -19/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 40 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 8 = 40,
2/5 = 2 × 8/5 × 8 = 16/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
54/40 = 54 × 1/40 × 1 = 54/40 - Subtract the two like fractions:
16/40 - 54/40 = 16 - 54/40 = -38/40 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -19/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/5-54/40 2/10-54/40 2/5-54/80 6/5-54/40 2/15-54/40 10/5-54/40 2/25-54/40 14/5-54/40 2/35-54/40