Subtract 16/40 from 20/60
20/60 - 16/40 is -1/15.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 60 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 60 × 2 = 120,
20/60 = 20 × 2/60 × 2 = 40/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
16/40 = 16 × 3/40 × 3 = 48/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
40/120 - 48/120 = 40 - 48/120 = -8/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/15
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 40/60-16/40 20/60-32/40 20/60-16/80 20/60-48/40 20/60-80/40