Subtract 45/40 from 16/42
1st number: 16/42, 2nd number: 1 5/40
16/42 - 45/40 is -125/168.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- 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 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
16/42 = 16 × 20/42 × 20 = 320/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
45/40 = 45 × 21/40 × 21 = 945/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
320/840 - 945/840 = 320 - 945/840 = -625/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -125/168
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