Subtract 15/40 from 40/42
40/42 - 15/40 is 97/168.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 40 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
40/42 = 40 × 20/42 × 20 = 800/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
15/40 = 15 × 21/40 × 21 = 315/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
800/840 - 315/840 = 800 - 315/840 = 485/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 97/168
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/42-15/40 40/42-30/40 40/84-15/40 40/42-15/80 40/42-45/40 40/42-75/40