Subtract 12/40 from 27/42
27/42 - 12/40 is 12/35.
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,
27/42 = 27 × 20/42 × 20 = 540/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
12/40 = 12 × 21/40 × 21 = 252/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
540/840 - 252/840 = 540 - 252/840 = 288/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 12/35
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 54/42-12/40 27/42-24/40 27/84-12/40 27/42-12/80 81/42-12/40 27/42-36/40 27/42-60/40 27/42-84/40