Subtract 21/18 from 5/40
1st number: 5/40, 2nd number: 1 3/18
5/40 - 21/18 is -25/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 18 is 360
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
5/40 = 5 × 9/40 × 9 = 45/360 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 18 × 20 = 360,
21/18 = 21 × 20/18 × 20 = 420/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
45/360 - 420/360 = 45 - 420/360 = -375/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -25/24
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/40-21/18 5/40-42/18 5/80-21/18 5/40-21/36 15/40-21/18 5/40-63/18 5/40-21/54 25/40-21/18 5/40-21/90 35/40-21/18