Subtract 1/5 from 2/42
2/42 - 1/5 is -16/105.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 5 is 210
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 210 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
2/42 = 2 × 5/42 × 5 = 10/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 42 = 210,
1/5 = 1 × 42/5 × 42 = 42/210 - Subtract the two like fractions:
10/210 - 42/210 = 10 - 42/210 = -32/210 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -16/105
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/42-1/5 2/42-2/5 2/84-1/5 2/42-1/10 6/42-1/5 2/42-3/5 2/42-1/15 10/42-1/5 2/42-1/25 14/42-1/5 2/42-7/5 2/42-1/35