Subtract 12/20 from 21/40
21/40 - 12/20 is -3/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 20 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
21/40 = 21 × 1/40 × 1 = 21/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 2 = 40,
12/20 = 12 × 2/20 × 2 = 24/40 - Subtract the two like fractions:
21/40 - 24/40 = 21 - 24/40 = -3/40
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