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Subtract 42/40 from 5/21

1st number: 5/21, 2nd number: 1 2/40

5/21 - 42/40 is -341/420.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 21 and 40 is 840

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 40 = 840,
    5/21 = 5 × 40/21 × 40 = 200/840
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
    42/40 = 42 × 21/40 × 21 = 882/840
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    200/840 - 882/840 = 200 - 882/840 = -682/840
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -341/420

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