Subtract 45/50 from 15/40
15/40 - 45/50 is -21/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 50 is 200
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 200 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 5 = 200,
15/40 = 15 × 5/40 × 5 = 75/200 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 4 = 200,
45/50 = 45 × 4/50 × 4 = 180/200 - Subtract the two like fractions:
75/200 - 180/200 = 75 - 180/200 = -105/200 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -21/40
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