Subtract 42/40 from 3/42
1st number: 3/42, 2nd number: 1 2/40
3/42 - 42/40 is -137/140.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- 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 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
3/42 = 3 × 20/42 × 20 = 60/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
42/40 = 42 × 21/40 × 21 = 882/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
60/840 - 882/840 = 60 - 882/840 = -822/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -137/140
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