Subtract 42/40 from 1/2
1st number: 1/2, 2nd number: 1 2/40
1/2 - 42/40 is -11/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 40 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 20 = 40,
1/2 = 1 × 20/2 × 20 = 20/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
42/40 = 42 × 1/40 × 1 = 42/40 - Subtract the two like fractions:
20/40 - 42/40 = 20 - 42/40 = -22/40 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 1/2-84/40 1/4-42/40 1/2-42/80 3/2-42/40 1/6-42/40 5/2-42/40 1/10-42/40 7/2-42/40 1/14-42/40