Subtract 27/42 from 2/40
2/40 - 27/42 is -83/140.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 42 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
2/40 = 2 × 21/40 × 21 = 42/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
27/42 = 27 × 20/42 × 20 = 540/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/840 - 540/840 = 42 - 540/840 = -498/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -83/140
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/40-27/42 2/40-54/42 2/80-27/42 2/40-27/84 6/40-27/42 2/40-81/42 10/40-27/42 14/40-27/42