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Subtract 42/40 from 15/42

1st number: 15/42, 2nd number: 1 2/40

15/42 - 42/40 is -97/140.

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,
    15/42 = 15 × 20/42 × 20 = 300/840
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
    42/40 = 42 × 21/40 × 21 = 882/840
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    300/840 - 882/840 = 300 - 882/840 = -582/840
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -97/140

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