Subtract 42/18 from 15/40
1st number: 15/40, 2nd number: 2 6/18
15/40 - 42/18 is -47/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 18 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
15/40 = 15 × 9/40 × 9 = 135/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 20 = 360,
42/18 = 42 × 20/18 × 20 = 840/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
135/360 - 840/360 = 135 - 840/360 = -705/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -47/24
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