Subtract 5/20 from 12/40
12/40 - 5/20 is 1/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 20 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
12/40 = 12 × 1/40 × 1 = 12/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 2 = 40,
5/20 = 5 × 2/20 × 2 = 10/40 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/40 - 10/40 = 12 - 10/40 = 2/40 - 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: 24/40-5/20 12/40-10/20 12/80-5/20 12/40-5/40 36/40-5/20 12/40-15/20 12/40-5/60 60/40-5/20 12/40-25/20 84/40-5/20 12/40-35/20