Subtract 40/9 from 12/42
1st number: 12/42, 2nd number: 4 4/9
12/42 - 40/9 is -262/63.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 9 is 126
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 126 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 3 = 126,
12/42 = 12 × 3/42 × 3 = 36/126 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 14 = 126,
40/9 = 40 × 14/9 × 14 = 560/126 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/126 - 560/126 = 36 - 560/126 = -524/126 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -262/63
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 24/42-40/9 12/42-80/9 12/84-40/9 12/42-40/18 36/42-40/9 12/42-40/27 60/42-40/9 12/42-40/45 84/42-40/9 12/42-40/63