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Subtract 42/56 from 5/20

5/20 - 42/56 is -1/2.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 20 and 56 is 280

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 20 × 14 = 280,
    5/20 = 5 × 14/20 × 14 = 70/280
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
    42/56 = 42 × 5/56 × 5 = 210/280
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    70/280 - 210/280 = 70 - 210/280 = -140/280
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/2

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