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Subtract 42/8 from 16/20

1st number: 16/20, 2nd number: 5 2/8

16/20 - 42/8 is -89/20.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 20 and 8 is 40

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 2 = 40,
    16/20 = 16 × 2/20 × 2 = 32/40
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 5 = 40,
    42/8 = 42 × 5/8 × 5 = 210/40
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    32/40 - 210/40 = 32 - 210/40 = -178/40
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -89/20

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