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Subtract 40/20 from 5/42

1st number: 5/42, 2nd number: 2 0/20

5/42 - 40/20 is -79/42.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 42 and 20 is 420

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 420
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 10 = 420,
    5/42 = 5 × 10/42 × 10 = 50/420
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 20 × 21 = 420,
    40/20 = 40 × 21/20 × 21 = 840/420
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    50/420 - 840/420 = 50 - 840/420 = -790/420
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -79/42

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