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Subtract 72/40 from 42/16

1st number: 2 10/16, 2nd number: 1 32/40

42/16 - 72/40 is 33/40.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 16 and 40 is 80

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 80
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 5 = 80,
    42/16 = 42 × 5/16 × 5 = 210/80
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 2 = 80,
    72/40 = 72 × 2/40 × 2 = 144/80
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    210/80 - 144/80 = 210 - 144/80 = 66/80
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is 33/40

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