Answers

Solutions by everydaycalculation.com

Answers.everydaycalculation.com » Subtract fractions

Subtract 72/21 from 40/60

1st number: 40/60, 2nd number: 3 9/21

40/60 - 72/21 is -58/21.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 60 and 21 is 420

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 60 × 7 = 420,
    40/60 = 40 × 7/60 × 7 = 280/420
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 20 = 420,
    72/21 = 72 × 20/21 × 20 = 1440/420
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    280/420 - 1440/420 = 280 - 1440/420 = -1160/420
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -58/21

MathStep (Works offline)

Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad

Related:

© everydaycalculation.com