Subtract 48/42 from 9/40
1st number: 9/40, 2nd number: 1 6/42
9/40 - 48/42 is -257/280.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 42 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
9/40 = 9 × 21/40 × 21 = 189/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
48/42 = 48 × 20/42 × 20 = 960/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
189/840 - 960/840 = 189 - 960/840 = -771/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -257/280
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 18/40-48/42 9/40-96/42 9/80-48/42 9/40-48/84 27/40-48/42 45/40-48/42 63/40-48/42