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Subtract 5/42 from 20/40

20/40 - 5/42 is 8/21.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. 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
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
    20/40 = 20 × 21/40 × 21 = 420/840
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
    5/42 = 5 × 20/42 × 20 = 100/840
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    420/840 - 100/840 = 420 - 100/840 = 320/840
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is 8/21

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