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Subtract 56/40 from 20/42

1st number: 20/42, 2nd number: 1 16/40

20/42 - 56/40 is -97/105.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. 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
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
    20/42 = 20 × 20/42 × 20 = 400/840
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
    56/40 = 56 × 21/40 × 21 = 1176/840
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    400/840 - 1176/840 = 400 - 1176/840 = -776/840
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -97/105

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