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Subtract 20/56 from 12/40

12/40 - 20/56 is -2/35.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 40 and 56 is 280

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
    12/40 = 12 × 7/40 × 7 = 84/280
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
    20/56 = 20 × 5/56 × 5 = 100/280
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    84/280 - 100/280 = 84 - 100/280 = -16/280
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/35

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