Subtract 42/9 from 3/40
1st number: 3/40, 2nd number: 4 6/9
3/40 - 42/9 is -551/120.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 9 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
3/40 = 3 × 9/40 × 9 = 27/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 40 = 360,
42/9 = 42 × 40/9 × 40 = 1680/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
27/360 - 1680/360 = 27 - 1680/360 = -1653/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -551/120
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/40-42/9 3/40-84/9 3/80-42/9 3/40-42/18 9/40-42/9 3/40-42/27 15/40-42/9 3/40-42/45 21/40-42/9 3/40-42/63