Subtract 42/56 from 12/40
12/40 - 42/56 is -9/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- 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 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
12/40 = 12 × 7/40 × 7 = 84/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
42/56 = 42 × 5/56 × 5 = 210/280 - Subtract the two like fractions:
84/280 - 210/280 = 84 - 210/280 = -126/280 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -9/20
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