Subtract 21/40 from 42/56
42/56 - 21/40 is 9/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 40 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
42/56 = 42 × 5/56 × 5 = 210/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
21/40 = 21 × 7/40 × 7 = 147/280 - Subtract the two like fractions:
210/280 - 147/280 = 210 - 147/280 = 63/280 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is 9/40
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