Subtract 21/60 from 5/40
5/40 - 21/60 is -9/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 60 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 60 × 2 = 120,
21/60 = 21 × 2/60 × 2 = 42/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
15/120 - 42/120 = 15 - 42/120 = -27/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -9/40
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