Subtract 16/12 from 40/45
1st number: 40/45, 2nd number: 1 4/12
40/45 - 16/12 is -4/9.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 45 and 12 is 180
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 180 - For the 1st fraction, since 45 × 4 = 180,
40/45 = 40 × 4/45 × 4 = 160/180 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 15 = 180,
16/12 = 16 × 15/12 × 15 = 240/180 - Subtract the two like fractions:
160/180 - 240/180 = 160 - 240/180 = -80/180 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -4/9
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 80/45-16/12 40/45-32/12 40/90-16/12 40/45-16/24 40/45-48/12 40/45-16/36 40/45-80/12 40/45-16/60 40/45-16/84