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Subtract 2/5 from 1/4

1/4 - 2/5 is -3/20.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 4 and 5 is 20

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 20
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 4 × 5 = 20,
    1/4 = 1 × 5/4 × 5 = 5/20
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 4 = 20,
    2/5 = 2 × 4/5 × 4 = 8/20
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    5/20 - 8/20 = 5 - 8/20 = -3/20

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