Subtract 27/40 from 3/12
3/12 - 27/40 is -17/40.
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,
3/12 = 3 × 10/12 × 10 = 30/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
27/40 = 27 × 3/40 × 3 = 81/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
30/120 - 81/120 = 30 - 81/120 = -51/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/12-27/40 3/12-54/40 3/24-27/40 3/12-27/80 9/12-27/40 3/12-81/40 3/36-27/40 15/12-27/40 3/60-27/40 21/12-27/40 3/84-27/40