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Subtract 2/40 from 1/42

1/42 - 2/40 is -11/420.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 42 and 40 is 840

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
    1/42 = 1 × 20/42 × 20 = 20/840
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
    2/40 = 2 × 21/40 × 21 = 42/840
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    20/840 - 42/840 = 20 - 42/840 = -22/840
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -11/420

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