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Subtract 20/42 from 5/21

5/21 - 20/42 is -5/21.

Steps for subtracting fractions

  1. Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
    LCM of 21 and 42 is 42

    Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 42
  2. For the 1st fraction, since 21 × 2 = 42,
    5/21 = 5 × 2/21 × 2 = 10/42
  3. Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 1 = 42,
    20/42 = 20 × 1/42 × 1 = 20/42
  4. Subtract the two like fractions:
    10/42 - 20/42 = 10 - 20/42 = -10/42
  5. After reducing the fraction, the answer is -5/21

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