Subtract 2/40 from 1/21
1/21 - 2/40 is -1/420.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 40 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 40 = 840,
1/21 = 1 × 40/21 × 40 = 40/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
2/40 = 2 × 21/40 × 21 = 42/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
40/840 - 42/840 = 40 - 42/840 = -2/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/420
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