Subtract 15/40 from 42/54
42/54 - 15/40 is 29/72.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 54 and 40 is 1080
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 1080 - For the 1st fraction, since 54 × 20 = 1080,
42/54 = 42 × 20/54 × 20 = 840/1080 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 27 = 1080,
15/40 = 15 × 27/40 × 27 = 405/1080 - Subtract the two like fractions:
840/1080 - 405/1080 = 840 - 405/1080 = 435/1080 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 29/72
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/54-15/40 42/54-30/40 42/54-15/80 42/54-45/40 42/54-75/40