Subtract 40/48 from 5/42
5/42 - 40/48 is -5/7.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 48 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
5/42 = 5 × 8/42 × 8 = 40/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
40/48 = 40 × 7/48 × 7 = 280/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
40/336 - 280/336 = 40 - 280/336 = -240/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/7
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