Subtract 3/9 from 5/40
5/40 - 3/9 is -5/24.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 9 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 9 × 40 = 360,
3/9 = 3 × 40/9 × 40 = 120/360 - Subtract the two like fractions:
45/360 - 120/360 = 45 - 120/360 = -75/360 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/24
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