Subtract 16/40 from 12/3
1st number: 4 0/3, 2nd number: 16/40
12/3 - 16/40 is 18/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 40 = 120,
12/3 = 12 × 40/3 × 40 = 480/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
16/40 = 16 × 3/40 × 3 = 48/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
480/120 - 48/120 = 480 - 48/120 = 432/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 18/5
- In mixed form: 33/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/3-16/40 12/3-32/40 12/6-16/40 12/3-16/80 36/3-16/40 12/3-48/40 12/9-16/40 60/3-16/40 12/3-80/40 12/15-16/40 84/3-16/40 12/21-16/40