Subtract 84/42 from 2/21
1st number: 2/21, 2nd number: 2 0/42
2/21 - 84/42 is -40/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 42 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
2/21 = 2 × 2/21 × 2 = 4/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
84/42 = 84 × 1/42 × 1 = 84/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
4/42 - 84/42 = 4 - 84/42 = -80/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -40/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/21-84/42 2/42-84/42 6/21-84/42 2/63-84/42 10/21-84/42 14/21-84/42