Subtract 16/6 from 5/40, Solve 5/40

Subtract 16/6 from 5/40

1^st number: 5/40, 2^nd number: 2 4/6

5/40 - 16/6 is -61/24.

Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 6 is 120

Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120
For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
5/40 = 5 × 3/40 × 3 = 15/120
Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 6 × 20 = 120,
16/6 = 16 × 20/6 × 20 = 320/120
Subtract the two like fractions:
15/120 - 320/120 = 15 - 320/120 = -305/120
After reducing the fraction, the answer is -61/24

MathStep (Works offline)

Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad