Subtract 40/8 from 20/12
1st number: 1 8/12, 2nd number: 5 0/8
20/12 - 40/8 is -10/3.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 8 is 24
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 24 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 2 = 24,
20/12 = 20 × 2/12 × 2 = 40/24 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 3 = 24,
40/8 = 40 × 3/8 × 3 = 120/24 - Subtract the two like fractions:
40/24 - 120/24 = 40 - 120/24 = -80/24 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -10/3
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 40/12-40/8 20/12-80/8 20/24-40/8 20/12-40/16 60/12-40/8 20/36-40/8 20/12-40/24 20/60-40/8 20/84-40/8 20/12-40/56