Subtract 42/36 from 40/15
1st number: 2 10/15, 2nd number: 1 6/36
40/15 - 42/36 is 3/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 36 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 12 = 180,
40/15 = 40 × 12/15 × 12 = 480/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 36 × 5 = 180,
42/36 = 42 × 5/36 × 5 = 210/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
480/180 - 210/180 = 480 - 210/180 = 270/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 3/2
- In mixed form: 11/2
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/15-42/36 40/15-84/36 40/30-42/36 40/15-42/72 40/45-42/36 40/75-42/36