Subtract 6/42 from 3/40
3/40 - 6/42 is -19/280.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 42 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
3/40 = 3 × 21/40 × 21 = 63/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
6/42 = 6 × 20/42 × 20 = 120/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
63/840 - 120/840 = 63 - 120/840 = -57/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -19/280
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/40-6/42 3/40-12/42 3/80-6/42 3/40-6/84 9/40-6/42 3/40-18/42 15/40-6/42 3/40-30/42 21/40-6/42