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Subtract 42/8 from 21/5

1st number: 4 1/5, 2nd number: 5 2/8

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

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 5 and 8 is 40

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 8 = 40,
    21/5 = 21 × 8/5 × 8 = 168/40
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 8 × 5 = 40,
    42/8 = 42 × 5/8 × 5 = 210/40
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    168/40 - 210/40 = 168 - 210/40 = -42/40
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -21/20

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