Subtract 20/32 from 3/8
3/8 - 20/32 is -1/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 8 and 32 is 32
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 32 - For the 1st fraction, since 8 × 4 = 32,
3/8 = 3 × 4/8 × 4 = 12/32 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 32 × 1 = 32,
20/32 = 20 × 1/32 × 1 = 20/32 - Subtract the two like fractions:
12/32 - 20/32 = 12 - 20/32 = -8/32 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/4
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/8-20/32 3/8-40/32 3/16-20/32 3/8-20/64 9/8-20/32 3/8-60/32 3/24-20/32 3/8-20/96 15/8-20/32 3/40-20/32 21/8-20/32 3/56-20/32