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Subtract 56/40 from 42/48

1st number: 42/48, 2nd number: 1 16/40

42/48 - 56/40 is -21/40.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 48 and 40 is 240

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 240
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 48 × 5 = 240,
    42/48 = 42 × 5/48 × 5 = 210/240
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 6 = 240,
    56/40 = 56 × 6/40 × 6 = 336/240
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    210/240 - 336/240 = 210 - 336/240 = -126/240
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -21/40

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