Subtract 50/72 from 40/84, Solve 40/84

Subtract 50/72 from 40/84

40/84 - 50/72 is -55/252.

Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 84 and 72 is 504

Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 504
For the 1st fraction, since 84 × 6 = 504,
40/84 = 40 × 6/84 × 6 = 240/504
Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 72 × 7 = 504,
50/72 = 50 × 7/72 × 7 = 350/504
Subtract the two like fractions:
240/504 - 350/504 = 240 - 350/504 = -110/504
After reducing the fraction, the answer is -55/252

MathStep (Works offline)

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