Subtract 42/45 from 36/40
36/40 - 42/45 is -1/30.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 45 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
36/40 = 36 × 9/40 × 9 = 324/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 45 × 8 = 360,
42/45 = 42 × 8/45 × 8 = 336/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
324/360 - 336/360 = 324 - 336/360 = -12/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/30
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