Subtract 42/50 from 2/40
2/40 - 42/50 is -79/100.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 50 is 200
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 200 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 5 = 200,
2/40 = 2 × 5/40 × 5 = 10/200 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 50 × 4 = 200,
42/50 = 42 × 4/50 × 4 = 168/200 - Subtract the two like fractions:
10/200 - 168/200 = 10 - 168/200 = -158/200 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -79/100
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