Subtract 42/12 from 60/40
1st number: 1 20/40, 2nd number: 3 6/12
60/40 - 42/12 is -2/1.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 12 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
60/40 = 60 × 3/40 × 3 = 180/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 10 = 120,
42/12 = 42 × 10/12 × 10 = 420/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
180/120 - 420/120 = 180 - 420/120 = -240/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/1
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