Subtract 72/40 from 2/42
1st number: 2/42, 2nd number: 1 32/40
2/42 - 72/40 is -184/105.
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,
2/42 = 2 × 20/42 × 20 = 40/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
72/40 = 72 × 21/40 × 21 = 1512/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
40/840 - 1512/840 = 40 - 1512/840 = -1472/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -184/105
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