Answer:
Explanation:
Step 1: Write the prime factors of the numerator and denominator.
The prime factors of 42 are 2, 3, and 7.
The prime factors of 56 are 2, 2, 2, 7.
Step 2: Reorder and regroup the factors.
We can reorder the factors so that the common factors are next to each other.
42 = 2 x 3 x 7
56 = 2 x 2 x 2 x 7
Step 3: Make as many factors of 1 as possible.
We can make a factor of 1 by dividing both the numerator and denominator by the common factors.
In this case, the common factors are 2 and 7.
We divide both the numerator and denominator by 2 x 7 = 14.
-42/56 = (-2 x 3 x 7)/(2 x 2 x 2 x 7)
-42/56 = (-2 x 3)/(2 x 2 x 2)
-42/56 = -3/4
Step 4: Simplify using the multiplicative identity.
The multiplicative identity states that any number multiplied by 1 is equal to itself.
We can use the multiplicative identity to write the fraction as an equivalent fraction with a denominator of 1.
-3/4 = (-3/4) x (1/1)
-3/4 = -3/4