Subtract 42/15 from 36/40
1st number: 36/40, 2nd number: 2 12/15
36/40 - 42/15 is -19/10.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 15 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
36/40 = 36 × 3/40 × 3 = 108/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 8 = 120,
42/15 = 42 × 8/15 × 8 = 336/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
108/120 - 336/120 = 108 - 336/120 = -228/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -19/10
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