Subtract 42/40 from 15/3
1st number: 5 0/3, 2nd number: 1 2/40
15/3 - 42/40 is 79/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 3 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 3 × 40 = 120,
15/3 = 15 × 40/3 × 40 = 600/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
42/40 = 42 × 3/40 × 3 = 126/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
600/120 - 126/120 = 600 - 126/120 = 474/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 79/20
- In mixed form: 319/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 30/3-42/40 15/3-84/40 15/6-42/40 15/3-42/80 45/3-42/40 15/9-42/40 75/3-42/40 15/21-42/40