Subtract 40/12 from 42/27
1st number: 1 15/27, 2nd number: 3 4/12
42/27 - 40/12 is -16/9.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 27 and 12 is 108
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 108 - For the 1st fraction, since 27 × 4 = 108,
42/27 = 42 × 4/27 × 4 = 168/108 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 9 = 108,
40/12 = 40 × 9/12 × 9 = 360/108 - Subtract the two like fractions:
168/108 - 360/108 = 168 - 360/108 = -192/108 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -16/9
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/27-40/12 42/27-80/12 42/54-40/12 42/27-40/24 42/81-40/12 42/27-40/36 42/27-40/60 42/27-40/84