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Subtract 21/12 from 2/5

1st number: 2/5, 2nd number: 1 9/12

2/5 - 21/12 is -27/20.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 5 and 12 is 60

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 60
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 12 = 60,
    2/5 = 2 × 12/5 × 12 = 24/60
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 12 × 5 = 60,
    21/12 = 21 × 5/12 × 5 = 105/60
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    24/60 - 105/60 = 24 - 105/60 = -81/60
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -27/20

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