Subtract 12/40 from 42/20
1st number: 2 2/20, 2nd number: 12/40
42/20 - 12/40 is 9/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 20 and 40 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 2 = 40,
42/20 = 42 × 2/20 × 2 = 84/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
12/40 = 12 × 1/40 × 1 = 12/40 - Subtract the two like fractions:
84/40 - 12/40 = 84 - 12/40 = 72/40 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 9/5
- In mixed form: 14/5
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