Subtract 40/84 from 5/15
5/15 - 40/84 is -1/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 15 and 84 is 420
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420 - For the 1st fraction, since 15 × 28 = 420,
5/15 = 5 × 28/15 × 28 = 140/420 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 84 × 5 = 420,
40/84 = 40 × 5/84 × 5 = 200/420 - Subtract the two like fractions:
140/420 - 200/420 = 140 - 200/420 = -60/420 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/7
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