Subtract 12/9 from 40/36
1st number: 1 4/36, 2nd number: 1 3/9
40/36 - 12/9 is -2/9.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 36 and 9 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 36 × 1 = 36,
40/36 = 40 × 1/36 × 1 = 40/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 4 = 36,
12/9 = 12 × 4/9 × 4 = 48/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
40/36 - 48/36 = 40 - 48/36 = -8/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/9
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/36-12/9 40/36-24/9 40/72-12/9 40/36-12/18 40/36-36/9 40/36-12/27 40/36-60/9 40/36-12/45 40/36-84/9 40/36-12/63