Subtract 40/12 from 5/42
1st number: 5/42, 2nd number: 3 4/12
5/42 - 40/12 is -45/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 12 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 2 = 84,
5/42 = 5 × 2/42 × 2 = 10/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
40/12 = 40 × 7/12 × 7 = 280/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
10/84 - 280/84 = 10 - 280/84 = -270/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -45/14
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/42-40/12 5/42-80/12 5/84-40/12 5/42-40/24 15/42-40/12 5/42-40/36 25/42-40/12 5/42-40/60 35/42-40/12 5/42-40/84