Subtract 40/9 from 48/12
1st number: 4 0/12, 2nd number: 4 4/9
48/12 - 40/9 is -4/9.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 9 is 36
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
48/12 = 48 × 3/12 × 3 = 144/36 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 4 = 36,
40/9 = 40 × 4/9 × 4 = 160/36 - Subtract the two like fractions:
144/36 - 160/36 = 144 - 160/36 = -16/36 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -4/9
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 96/12-40/9 48/12-80/9 48/24-40/9 48/12-40/18 48/36-40/9 48/12-40/27 48/60-40/9 48/12-40/45 48/84-40/9 48/12-40/63