Subtract 12/40 from 5/18
5/18 - 12/40 is -1/45.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 18 and 40 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 18 × 20 = 360,
5/18 = 5 × 20/18 × 20 = 100/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
12/40 = 12 × 9/40 × 9 = 108/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
100/360 - 108/360 = 100 - 108/360 = -8/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/45
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/18-12/40 5/18-24/40 5/36-12/40 5/18-12/80 15/18-12/40 5/18-36/40 5/54-12/40 25/18-12/40 5/18-60/40 5/90-12/40 35/18-12/40 5/18-84/40