Subtract 12/16 from 3/40
3/40 - 12/16 is -27/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 16 is 80
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 80 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 2 = 80,
3/40 = 3 × 2/40 × 2 = 6/80 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 5 = 80,
12/16 = 12 × 5/16 × 5 = 60/80 - Subtract the two like fractions:
6/80 - 60/80 = 6 - 60/80 = -54/80 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -27/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/40-12/16 3/40-24/16 3/80-12/16 3/40-12/32 9/40-12/16 3/40-36/16 3/40-12/48 15/40-12/16 3/40-60/16 3/40-12/80 21/40-12/16 3/40-84/16