Subtract 3/6 from 12/40
12/40 - 3/6 is -1/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 6 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 6 × 20 = 120,
3/6 = 3 × 20/6 × 20 = 60/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/120 - 60/120 = 36 - 60/120 = -24/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/40-3/6 12/80-3/6 12/40-3/12 36/40-3/6 12/40-9/6 12/40-3/18 60/40-3/6 12/40-15/6 12/40-3/30 84/40-3/6 12/40-21/6 12/40-3/42