Subtract 42/40 from 1/5
1st number: 1/5, 2nd number: 1 2/40
1/5 - 42/40 is -17/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 40 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 8 = 40,
1/5 = 1 × 8/5 × 8 = 8/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
42/40 = 42 × 1/40 × 1 = 42/40 - Subtract the two like fractions:
8/40 - 42/40 = 8 - 42/40 = -34/40 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -17/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/5-42/40 1/5-84/40 1/10-42/40 1/5-42/80 3/5-42/40 1/15-42/40 1/25-42/40 7/5-42/40 1/35-42/40