Subtract 40/84 from 3/9
3/9 - 40/84 is -1/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 9 and 84 is 252
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 252 - For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 28 = 252,
3/9 = 3 × 28/9 × 28 = 84/252 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 84 × 3 = 252,
40/84 = 40 × 3/84 × 3 = 120/252 - Subtract the two like fractions:
84/252 - 120/252 = 84 - 120/252 = -36/252 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/7
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/9-40/84 3/9-80/84 3/18-40/84 3/27-40/84 15/9-40/84 3/45-40/84 21/9-40/84 3/63-40/84