Subtract 5/40 from 6/12
6/12 - 5/40 is 3/8.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 12 and 40 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 12 × 10 = 120,
6/12 = 6 × 10/12 × 10 = 60/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
5/40 = 5 × 3/40 × 3 = 15/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/120 - 15/120 = 60 - 15/120 = 45/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 3/8
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 6/12-10/40 6/24-5/40 6/12-5/80 18/12-5/40 6/12-15/40 6/36-5/40 30/12-5/40 6/12-25/40 6/60-5/40 42/12-5/40 6/12-35/40 6/84-5/40