Subtract 42/40 from 36/45
1st number: 36/45, 2nd number: 1 2/40
36/45 - 42/40 is -1/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 8 = 360,
36/45 = 36 × 8/45 × 8 = 288/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
42/40 = 42 × 9/40 × 9 = 378/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
288/360 - 378/360 = 288 - 378/360 = -90/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/4
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