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Subtract 40/49 from 21/42

21/42 - 40/49 is -31/98.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 42 and 49 is 294

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 294
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 7 = 294,
    21/42 = 21 × 7/42 × 7 = 147/294
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 49 × 6 = 294,
    40/49 = 40 × 6/49 × 6 = 240/294
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    147/294 - 240/294 = 147 - 240/294 = -93/294
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -31/98

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