Subtract 18/56 from 4/40
4/40 - 18/56 is -31/140.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 56 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
4/40 = 4 × 7/40 × 7 = 28/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
18/56 = 18 × 5/56 × 5 = 90/280 - Subtract the two like fractions:
28/280 - 90/280 = 28 - 90/280 = -62/280 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -31/140
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 8/40-18/56 4/40-36/56 4/80-18/56 12/40-18/56 4/40-54/56 20/40-18/56 4/40-90/56 28/40-18/56