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Subtract 20/40 from 5/42

5/42 - 20/40 is -8/21.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 42 and 40 is 840

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 20 = 840,
    5/42 = 5 × 20/42 × 20 = 100/840
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
    20/40 = 20 × 21/40 × 21 = 420/840
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    100/840 - 420/840 = 100 - 420/840 = -320/840
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -8/21

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