Subtract 4/40 from 12/20
12/20 - 4/40 is 1/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 40 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 2 = 40,
12/20 = 12 × 2/20 × 2 = 24/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
4/40 = 4 × 1/40 × 1 = 4/40 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/40 - 4/40 = 24 - 4/40 = 20/40 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 1/2
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/20-4/40 12/20-8/40 12/40-4/40 12/20-4/80 36/20-4/40 12/20-12/40 12/60-4/40 60/20-4/40 12/20-20/40 84/20-4/40 12/20-28/40