Subtract 42/7 from 72/40
1st number: 1 32/40, 2nd number: 6 0/7
72/40 - 42/7 is -21/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 40 and 7 is 280
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 280 - For the 1st fraction, since 40 × 7 = 280,
72/40 = 72 × 7/40 × 7 = 504/280 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 7 × 40 = 280,
42/7 = 42 × 40/7 × 40 = 1680/280 - Subtract the two like fractions:
504/280 - 1680/280 = 504 - 1680/280 = -1176/280 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -21/5
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