Subtract 21/40 from 1/12
1/12 - 21/40 is -53/120.
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,
1/12 = 1 × 10/12 × 10 = 10/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
21/40 = 21 × 3/40 × 3 = 63/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
10/120 - 63/120 = 10 - 63/120 = -53/120
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/12-21/40 1/12-42/40 1/24-21/40 1/12-21/80 3/12-21/40 1/12-63/40 1/36-21/40 5/12-21/40 1/60-21/40 7/12-21/40 1/84-21/40