Subtract 5/12 from 2/21
2/21 - 5/12 is -9/28.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 12 is 84
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 84 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 4 = 84,
2/21 = 2 × 4/21 × 4 = 8/84 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 7 = 84,
5/12 = 5 × 7/12 × 7 = 35/84 - Subtract the two like fractions:
8/84 - 35/84 = 8 - 35/84 = -27/84 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -9/28
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/21-5/12 2/21-10/12 2/42-5/12 2/21-5/24 6/21-5/12 2/21-15/12 2/63-5/12 2/21-5/36 10/21-5/12 2/21-25/12 2/21-5/60 14/21-5/12 2/21-35/12 2/21-5/84