Subtract 42/5 from 36/40
1st number: 36/40, 2nd number: 8 2/5
36/40 - 42/5 is -15/2.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 5 is 40
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 40 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 1 = 40,
36/40 = 36 × 1/40 × 1 = 36/40 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 8 = 40,
42/5 = 42 × 8/5 × 8 = 336/40 - Subtract the two like fractions:
36/40 - 336/40 = 36 - 336/40 = -300/40 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -15/2
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