Subtract 21/42 from 2/5
2/5 - 21/42 is -1/10.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 42 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 42 = 210,
2/5 = 2 × 42/5 × 42 = 84/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
21/42 = 21 × 5/42 × 5 = 105/210 - Subtract the two like fractions:
84/210 - 105/210 = 84 - 105/210 = -21/210 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/10
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