Subtract 42/40 from 3/2
1st number: 1 1/2, 2nd number: 1 2/40
3/2 - 42/40 is 9/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 2 and 40 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 2 × 20 = 40,
3/2 = 3 × 20/2 × 20 = 60/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
42/40 = 42 × 1/40 × 1 = 42/40 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/40 - 42/40 = 60 - 42/40 = 18/40 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 9/20
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/2-42/40 3/2-84/40 3/4-42/40 3/2-42/80 9/2-42/40 3/6-42/40 15/2-42/40 3/10-42/40 21/2-42/40 3/14-42/40