Subtract 42/56 from 2/5
2/5 - 42/56 is -7/20.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 56 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 56 = 280,
2/5 = 2 × 56/5 × 56 = 112/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
42/56 = 42 × 5/56 × 5 = 210/280 - Subtract the two like fractions:
112/280 - 210/280 = 112 - 210/280 = -98/280 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -7/20
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