Subtract 42/40 from 20/21
1st number: 20/21, 2nd number: 1 2/40
20/21 - 42/40 is -41/420.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 21 and 40 is 840
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 840 - For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 40 = 840,
20/21 = 20 × 40/21 × 40 = 800/840 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 40 × 21 = 840,
42/40 = 42 × 21/40 × 21 = 882/840 - Subtract the two like fractions:
800/840 - 882/840 = 800 - 882/840 = -82/840 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -41/420
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 40/21-42/40 20/21-84/40 20/42-42/40 20/21-42/80 60/21-42/40 20/63-42/40