Subtract 5/12 from 15/40
15/40 - 5/12 is -1/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 12 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
15/40 = 15 × 3/40 × 3 = 45/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 10 = 120,
5/12 = 5 × 10/12 × 10 = 50/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
45/120 - 50/120 = 45 - 50/120 = -5/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/24
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