Subtract 32/40 from 8/12
8/12 - 32/40 is -2/15.
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,
8/12 = 8 × 10/12 × 10 = 80/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
32/40 = 32 × 3/40 × 3 = 96/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
80/120 - 96/120 = 80 - 96/120 = -16/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/15
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 16/12-32/40 8/12-64/40 8/24-32/40 8/12-32/80 24/12-32/40 8/12-96/40 8/36-32/40 40/12-32/40 8/60-32/40 56/12-32/40 8/84-32/40