Subtract 5/40 from 2/12
2/12 - 5/40 is 1/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 10 = 120,
2/12 = 2 × 10/12 × 10 = 20/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
5/40 = 5 × 3/40 × 3 = 15/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
20/120 - 15/120 = 20 - 15/120 = 5/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 1/24
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/12-5/40 2/12-10/40 2/24-5/40 2/12-5/80 6/12-5/40 2/12-15/40 2/36-5/40 10/12-5/40 2/12-25/40 2/60-5/40 14/12-5/40 2/12-35/40 2/84-5/40