Subtract 45/20 from 42/40
1st number: 1 2/40, 2nd number: 2 5/20
42/40 - 45/20 is -6/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 20 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
42/40 = 42 × 1/40 × 1 = 42/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 2 = 40,
45/20 = 45 × 2/20 × 2 = 90/40 - Subtract the two like fractions:
42/40 - 90/40 = 42 - 90/40 = -48/40 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -6/5
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/40-45/20 42/40-90/20 42/80-45/20 42/40-45/40 42/40-45/60