Subtract 9/40 from 2/5
2/5 - 9/40 is 7/40.
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,
9/40 = 9 × 1/40 × 1 = 9/40 - Subtract the two like fractions:
16/40 - 9/40 = 16 - 9/40 = 7/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/5-9/40 2/5-18/40 2/10-9/40 2/5-9/80 6/5-9/40 2/5-27/40 2/15-9/40 10/5-9/40 2/5-45/40 2/25-9/40 14/5-9/40 2/5-63/40 2/35-9/40