Answers

Solutions by everydaycalculation.com

Answers.everydaycalculation.com » Subtract fractions

Subtract 40/56 from 12/20

12/20 - 40/56 is -4/35.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 20 and 56 is 280

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 14 = 280,
    12/20 = 12 × 14/20 × 14 = 168/280
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
    40/56 = 40 × 5/56 × 5 = 200/280
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    168/280 - 200/280 = 168 - 200/280 = -32/280
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -4/35

MathStep (Works offline)

Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad

Related:

© everydaycalculation.com