Subtract 42/40 from 2/15
1st number: 2/15, 2nd number: 1 2/40
2/15 - 42/40 is -11/12.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 8 = 120,
2/15 = 2 × 8/15 × 8 = 16/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
42/40 = 42 × 3/40 × 3 = 126/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
16/120 - 126/120 = 16 - 126/120 = -110/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/12
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/15-42/40 2/15-84/40 2/30-42/40 2/15-42/80 6/15-42/40 2/45-42/40 10/15-42/40 2/75-42/40 14/15-42/40