Subtract 16/36 from 4/40
4/40 - 16/36 is -31/90.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 36 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
4/40 = 4 × 9/40 × 9 = 36/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 10 = 360,
16/36 = 16 × 10/36 × 10 = 160/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/360 - 160/360 = 36 - 160/360 = -124/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -31/90
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/40-16/36 4/40-32/36 4/80-16/36 4/40-16/72 12/40-16/36 4/40-48/36 20/40-16/36 4/40-80/36 28/40-16/36