Subtract 42/40 from 5/30
1st number: 5/30, 2nd number: 1 2/40
5/30 - 42/40 is -53/60.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 30 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 30 × 4 = 120,
5/30 = 5 × 4/30 × 4 = 20/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
42/40 = 42 × 3/40 × 3 = 126/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
20/120 - 126/120 = 20 - 126/120 = -106/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -53/60
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/30-42/40 5/30-84/40 5/60-42/40 5/30-42/80 15/30-42/40 5/90-42/40 25/30-42/40 35/30-42/40