Subtract 12/40 from 42/5
1st number: 8 2/5, 2nd number: 12/40
42/5 - 12/40 is 81/10.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 40 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 8 = 40,
42/5 = 42 × 8/5 × 8 = 336/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
12/40 = 12 × 1/40 × 1 = 12/40 - Subtract the two like fractions:
336/40 - 12/40 = 336 - 12/40 = 324/40 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 81/10
- In mixed form: 81/10
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/5-12/40 42/5-24/40 42/10-12/40 42/5-12/80 42/5-36/40 42/15-12/40 42/5-60/40 42/25-12/40 42/5-84/40 42/35-12/40