Subtract 1/3 from 12/40
12/40 - 1/3 is -1/30.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 3 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
12/40 = 12 × 3/40 × 3 = 36/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 3 × 40 = 120,
1/3 = 1 × 40/3 × 40 = 40/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/120 - 40/120 = 36 - 40/120 = -4/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/30
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/40-1/3 12/40-2/3 12/80-1/3 12/40-1/6 36/40-1/3 12/40-1/9 60/40-1/3 12/40-5/3 12/40-1/15 84/40-1/3 12/40-7/3 12/40-1/21