Subtract 16/40 from 12/36
12/36 - 16/40 is -1/15.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 10 = 360,
12/36 = 12 × 10/36 × 10 = 120/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
16/40 = 16 × 9/40 × 9 = 144/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
120/360 - 144/360 = 120 - 144/360 = -24/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/15
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