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Subtract 5/42 from 42/40

1st number: 1 2/40, 2nd number: 5/42

42/40 - 5/42 is 391/420.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 40 and 42 is 840

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
    42/40 = 42 × 21/40 × 21 = 882/840
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
    5/42 = 5 × 20/42 × 20 = 100/840
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    882/840 - 100/840 = 882 - 100/840 = 782/840
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is 391/420

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