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Subtract 50/42 from 5/40

1st number: 5/40, 2nd number: 1 8/42

5/40 - 50/42 is -179/168.

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,
    5/40 = 5 × 21/40 × 21 = 105/840
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
    50/42 = 50 × 20/42 × 20 = 1000/840
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    105/840 - 1000/840 = 105 - 1000/840 = -895/840
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -179/168

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