Subtract 9/40 from 12/20
12/20 - 9/40 is 3/8.
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,
9/40 = 9 × 1/40 × 1 = 9/40 - Subtract the two like fractions:
24/40 - 9/40 = 24 - 9/40 = 15/40 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 3/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/20-9/40 12/20-18/40 12/40-9/40 12/20-9/80 36/20-9/40 12/20-27/40 12/60-9/40 60/20-9/40 12/20-45/40 84/20-9/40 12/20-63/40