Subtract 24/40 from 3/42
3/42 - 24/40 is -37/70.
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,
3/42 = 3 × 20/42 × 20 = 60/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
24/40 = 24 × 21/40 × 21 = 504/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/840 - 504/840 = 60 - 504/840 = -444/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -37/70
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/42-24/40 3/42-48/40 3/84-24/40 3/42-24/80 9/42-24/40 3/42-72/40 15/42-24/40 21/42-24/40