Subtract 20/40 from 2/16
2/16 - 20/40 is -3/8.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 40 is 80
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 80 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 5 = 80,
2/16 = 2 × 5/16 × 5 = 10/80 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 2 = 80,
20/40 = 20 × 2/40 × 2 = 40/80 - Subtract the two like fractions:
10/80 - 40/80 = 10 - 40/80 = -30/80 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/16-20/40 2/32-20/40 2/16-20/80 6/16-20/40 2/16-60/40 2/48-20/40 10/16-20/40 2/80-20/40 14/16-20/40