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Subtract 42/8 from 2/7

1st number: 2/7, 2nd number: 5 2/8

2/7 - 42/8 is -139/28.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 7 and 8 is 56

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 56
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 7 × 8 = 56,
    2/7 = 2 × 8/7 × 8 = 16/56
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 7 = 56,
    42/8 = 42 × 7/8 × 7 = 294/56
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    16/56 - 294/56 = 16 - 294/56 = -278/56
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -139/28

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