Subtract 15/18 from 40/12
1st number: 3 4/12, 2nd number: 15/18
40/12 - 15/18 is 5/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 18 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
40/12 = 40 × 3/12 × 3 = 120/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 2 = 36,
15/18 = 15 × 2/18 × 2 = 30/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
120/36 - 30/36 = 120 - 30/36 = 90/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 5/2
- In mixed form: 21/2
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/12-15/18 40/12-30/18 40/24-15/18 40/12-15/36 40/12-45/18 40/36-15/18 40/12-15/54 40/12-75/18 40/60-15/18 40/12-15/90 40/84-15/18