Subtract 40/12 from 42/40
1st number: 1 2/40, 2nd number: 3 4/12
42/40 - 40/12 is -137/60.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 12 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
42/40 = 42 × 3/40 × 3 = 126/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 10 = 120,
40/12 = 40 × 10/12 × 10 = 400/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/120 - 400/120 = 126 - 400/120 = -274/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -137/60
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/40-40/12 42/40-80/12 42/80-40/12 42/40-40/24 42/40-40/36 42/40-40/60 42/40-40/84