Subtract 40/48 from 7/42
7/42 - 40/48 is -2/3.
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,
7/42 = 7 × 8/42 × 8 = 56/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 48 × 7 = 336,
40/48 = 40 × 7/48 × 7 = 280/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
56/336 - 280/336 = 56 - 280/336 = -224/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/3
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