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Subtract 56/21 from 40/42

1st number: 40/42, 2nd number: 2 14/21

40/42 - 56/21 is -12/7.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 42 and 21 is 42

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
    40/42 = 40 × 1/42 × 1 = 40/42
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
    56/21 = 56 × 2/21 × 2 = 112/42
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    40/42 - 112/42 = 40 - 112/42 = -72/42
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -12/7

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