Subtract 7/40 from 42/70
42/70 - 7/40 is 17/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 70 and 40 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 70 × 4 = 280,
42/70 = 42 × 4/70 × 4 = 168/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
7/40 = 7 × 7/40 × 7 = 49/280 - Subtract the two like fractions:
168/280 - 49/280 = 168 - 49/280 = 119/280 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 17/40
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 84/70-7/40 42/70-14/40 42/70-7/80 42/70-21/40 42/70-35/40 42/70-49/40