Subtract 12/40 from 36/42
36/42 - 12/40 is 39/70.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 40 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
36/42 = 36 × 20/42 × 20 = 720/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
12/40 = 12 × 21/40 × 21 = 252/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
720/840 - 252/840 = 720 - 252/840 = 468/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 39/70
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/42-12/40 36/42-24/40 36/84-12/40 36/42-12/80 36/42-36/40 36/42-60/40 36/42-84/40