Subtract 50/30 from 42/40
1st number: 1 2/40, 2nd number: 1 20/30
42/40 - 50/30 is -37/60.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 30 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 30 × 4 = 120,
50/30 = 50 × 4/30 × 4 = 200/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
126/120 - 200/120 = 126 - 200/120 = -74/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -37/60
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/40-50/30 42/80-50/30 42/40-50/60 42/40-50/90