Subtract 15/40 from 5/56
5/56 - 15/40 is -2/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 40 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
5/56 = 5 × 5/56 × 5 = 25/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
15/40 = 15 × 7/40 × 7 = 105/280 - Subtract the two like fractions:
25/280 - 105/280 = 25 - 105/280 = -80/280 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/7
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 10/56-15/40 5/56-30/40 5/56-15/80 15/56-15/40 5/56-45/40 25/56-15/40 5/56-75/40 35/56-15/40