Subtract 2/40 from 40/42
40/42 - 2/40 is 379/420.
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,
2/40 = 2 × 21/40 × 21 = 42/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
800/840 - 42/840 = 800 - 42/840 = 758/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 379/420
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/42-2/40 40/42-4/40 40/84-2/40 40/42-2/80 40/42-6/40 40/42-10/40 40/42-14/40