Subtract 4/40 from 2/42
2/42 - 4/40 is -11/210.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 40 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
2/42 = 2 × 20/42 × 20 = 40/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
4/40 = 4 × 21/40 × 21 = 84/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
40/840 - 84/840 = 40 - 84/840 = -44/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/210
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/42-4/40 2/42-8/40 2/84-4/40 2/42-4/80 6/42-4/40 2/42-12/40 10/42-4/40 2/42-20/40 14/42-4/40 2/42-28/40