Subtract 12/40 from 42/15
1st number: 2 12/15, 2nd number: 12/40
42/15 - 12/40 is 5/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 8 = 120,
42/15 = 42 × 8/15 × 8 = 336/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
12/40 = 12 × 3/40 × 3 = 36/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
336/120 - 36/120 = 336 - 36/120 = 300/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 5/2
- In mixed form: 21/2
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