Subtract 21/40 from 7/56
7/56 - 21/40 is -2/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 56 and 40 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 56 × 5 = 280,
7/56 = 7 × 5/56 × 5 = 35/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
21/40 = 21 × 7/40 × 7 = 147/280 - Subtract the two like fractions:
35/280 - 147/280 = 35 - 147/280 = -112/280 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/5
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