Subtract 20/42 from 42/40
1st number: 1 2/40, 2nd number: 20/42
42/40 - 20/42 is 241/420.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 42 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
42/40 = 42 × 21/40 × 21 = 882/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
20/42 = 20 × 20/42 × 20 = 400/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
882/840 - 400/840 = 882 - 400/840 = 482/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 241/420
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/40-20/42 42/40-40/42 42/80-20/42 42/40-20/84 42/40-60/42