Subtract 24/40 from 4/12
4/12 - 24/40 is -4/15.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 10 = 120,
4/12 = 4 × 10/12 × 10 = 40/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
24/40 = 24 × 3/40 × 3 = 72/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
40/120 - 72/120 = 40 - 72/120 = -32/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -4/15
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/12-24/40 4/12-48/40 4/24-24/40 4/12-24/80 4/12-72/40 4/36-24/40 20/12-24/40 4/60-24/40 28/12-24/40 4/84-24/40