Answers

Subtract 40/12 from 5/9

1^st number: 5/9, 2^nd number: 3 4/12

5/9 - 40/12 is -25/9.

Steps for subtracting fractions

1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
   LCM of 9 and 12 is 36
   
   Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 36
2. For the 1st fraction, since 9 × 4 = 36,
   5/9 = 5 × 4/9 × 4 = 20/36
3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 3 = 36,
   40/12 = 40 × 3/12 × 3 = 120/36
4. Subtract the two like fractions:
   20/36 - 120/36 = 20 - 120/36 = -100/36
5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -25/9

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