Subtract 42/60 from 7/40
7/40 - 42/60 is -21/40.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 60 is 120
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 120 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 3 = 120,
7/40 = 7 × 3/40 × 3 = 21/120 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 60 × 2 = 120,
42/60 = 42 × 2/60 × 2 = 84/120 - Subtract the two like fractions:
21/120 - 84/120 = 21 - 84/120 = -63/120 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -21/40
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