Subtract 40/9 from 42/15
1st number: 2 12/15, 2nd number: 4 4/9
42/15 - 40/9 is -74/45.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 9 is 45
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 45 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 3 = 45,
42/15 = 42 × 3/15 × 3 = 126/45 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 5 = 45,
40/9 = 40 × 5/9 × 5 = 200/45 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/45 - 200/45 = 126 - 200/45 = -74/45
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