Subtract 5/12 from 36/40
36/40 - 5/12 is 29/60.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 12 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 12 × 10 = 120,
5/12 = 5 × 10/12 × 10 = 50/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
108/120 - 50/120 = 108 - 50/120 = 58/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 29/60
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/40-5/12 36/40-10/12 36/80-5/12 36/40-5/24 36/40-15/12 36/40-5/36 36/40-25/12 36/40-5/60 36/40-35/12 36/40-5/84