Subtract 25/40 from 25/42
25/42 - 25/40 is -5/168.
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,
25/42 = 25 × 20/42 × 20 = 500/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
25/40 = 25 × 21/40 × 21 = 525/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
500/840 - 525/840 = 500 - 525/840 = -25/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/168
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 50/42-25/40 25/42-50/40 25/84-25/40 25/42-25/80 75/42-25/40 25/42-75/40