Subtract 20/42 from 2/5
2/5 - 20/42 is -8/105.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- 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 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 42 = 210,
2/5 = 2 × 42/5 × 42 = 84/210 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 5 = 210,
20/42 = 20 × 5/42 × 5 = 100/210 - Subtract the two like fractions:
84/210 - 100/210 = 84 - 100/210 = -16/210 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -8/105
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/5-20/42 2/5-40/42 2/10-20/42 2/5-20/84 6/5-20/42 2/5-60/42 2/15-20/42 10/5-20/42 2/25-20/42 14/5-20/42 2/35-20/42