Subtract 40/5 from 42/12
1st number: 3 6/12, 2nd number: 8 0/5
42/12 - 40/5 is -9/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 5 is 60
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
42/12 = 42 × 5/12 × 5 = 210/60 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 12 = 60,
40/5 = 40 × 12/5 × 12 = 480/60 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/60 - 480/60 = 210 - 480/60 = -270/60 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -9/2
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