Subtract 40/60 from 36/42
36/42 - 40/60 is 4/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 60 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
36/42 = 36 × 10/42 × 10 = 360/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 60 × 7 = 420,
40/60 = 40 × 7/60 × 7 = 280/420 - Subtract the two like fractions:
360/420 - 280/420 = 360 - 280/420 = 80/420 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 4/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 72/42-40/60 36/42-80/60 36/84-40/60