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Subtract 54/40 from 5/42

1st number: 5/42, 2nd number: 1 14/40

5/42 - 54/40 is -517/420.

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,
    54/40 = 54 × 21/40 × 21 = 1134/840
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    100/840 - 1134/840 = 100 - 1134/840 = -1034/840
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -517/420

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