Subtract 18/40 from 42/60
42/60 - 18/40 is 1/4.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 60 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 60 × 2 = 120,
42/60 = 42 × 2/60 × 2 = 84/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
18/40 = 18 × 3/40 × 3 = 54/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
84/120 - 54/120 = 84 - 54/120 = 30/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 1/4
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/60-18/40 42/60-36/40 42/60-18/80 42/60-54/40 42/60-90/40