Subtract 20/40 from 15/50
15/50 - 20/40 is -1/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 50 and 40 is 200
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 200 - For the 1st fraction, since 50 × 4 = 200,
15/50 = 15 × 4/50 × 4 = 60/200 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 5 = 200,
20/40 = 20 × 5/40 × 5 = 100/200 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/200 - 100/200 = 60 - 100/200 = -40/200 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 30/50-20/40 15/50-20/80 45/50-20/40 15/50-60/40 75/50-20/40