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Subtract 16/9 from 42/40

1st number: 1 2/40, 2nd number: 1 7/9

42/40 - 16/9 is -131/180.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 40 and 9 is 360

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 360
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 9 = 360,
    42/40 = 42 × 9/40 × 9 = 378/360
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 9 × 40 = 360,
    16/9 = 16 × 40/9 × 40 = 640/360
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    378/360 - 640/360 = 378 - 640/360 = -262/360
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -131/180

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