Subtract 6/21 from 2/42
2/42 - 6/21 is -5/21.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 21 is 42
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
2/42 = 2 × 1/42 × 1 = 2/42 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
6/21 = 6 × 2/21 × 2 = 12/42 - Subtract the two like fractions:
2/42 - 12/42 = 2 - 12/42 = -10/42 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/21
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/42-6/21 2/42-12/21 2/84-6/21 2/42-6/42 6/42-6/21 2/42-18/21 2/42-6/63 10/42-6/21 2/42-30/21 14/42-6/21 2/42-42/21