Subtract 42/5 from 21/27
1st number: 21/27, 2nd number: 8 2/5
21/27 - 42/5 is -343/45.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 27 and 5 is 135
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 135 - For the 1st fraction, since 27 × 5 = 135,
21/27 = 21 × 5/27 × 5 = 105/135 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 5 × 27 = 135,
42/5 = 42 × 27/5 × 27 = 1134/135 - Subtract the two like fractions:
105/135 - 1134/135 = 105 - 1134/135 = -1029/135 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -343/45
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 42/27-42/5 21/27-84/5 21/54-42/5 21/27-42/10 63/27-42/5 21/81-42/5 21/27-42/15 21/27-42/25 21/27-42/35