Subtract 84/42 from 40/12
1st number: 3 4/12, 2nd number: 2 0/42
40/12 - 84/42 is 4/3.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 42 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
40/12 = 40 × 7/12 × 7 = 280/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
84/42 = 84 × 2/42 × 2 = 168/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
280/84 - 168/84 = 280 - 168/84 = 112/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 4/3
- In mixed form: 11/3
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/12-84/42 40/24-84/42 40/36-84/42 40/60-84/42 40/84-84/42