Subtract 45/42 from 18/40
1st number: 18/40, 2nd number: 1 3/42
18/40 - 45/42 is -87/140.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 42 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
18/40 = 18 × 21/40 × 21 = 378/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
45/42 = 45 × 20/42 × 20 = 900/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
378/840 - 900/840 = 378 - 900/840 = -522/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -87/140
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