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Subtract 21/42 from 1/5

1/5 - 21/42 is -3/10.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. 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
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 42 = 210,
    1/5 = 1 × 42/5 × 42 = 42/210
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
    21/42 = 21 × 5/42 × 5 = 105/210
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    42/210 - 105/210 = 42 - 105/210 = -63/210
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -3/10

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