Subtract 9/40 from 5/32
5/32 - 9/40 is -11/160.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 32 and 40 is 160
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 160 - For the 1st fraction, since 32 × 5 = 160,
5/32 = 5 × 5/32 × 5 = 25/160 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 4 = 160,
9/40 = 9 × 4/40 × 4 = 36/160 - Subtract the two like fractions:
25/160 - 36/160 = 25 - 36/160 = -11/160
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/32-9/40 5/32-18/40 5/64-9/40 5/32-9/80 15/32-9/40 5/32-27/40 5/96-9/40 25/32-9/40 5/32-45/40 35/32-9/40 5/32-63/40