Subtract 5/15 from 7/40
7/40 - 5/15 is -19/120.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 15 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
7/40 = 7 × 3/40 × 3 = 21/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 15 × 8 = 120,
5/15 = 5 × 8/15 × 8 = 40/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
21/120 - 40/120 = 21 - 40/120 = -19/120
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