Subtract 3/12 from 12/40
12/40 - 3/12 is 1/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 12 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 12 × 10 = 120,
3/12 = 3 × 10/12 × 10 = 30/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/120 - 30/120 = 36 - 30/120 = 6/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 1/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/40-3/12 12/40-6/12 12/80-3/12 12/40-3/24 36/40-3/12 12/40-9/12 12/40-3/36 60/40-3/12 12/40-15/12 12/40-3/60 84/40-3/12 12/40-21/12 12/40-3/84