Subtract 42/21 from 8/5
1st number: 1 3/5, 2nd number: 2 0/21
8/5 - 42/21 is -2/5.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 5 and 21 is 105
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 105 - For the 1st fraction, since 5 × 21 = 105,
8/5 = 8 × 21/5 × 21 = 168/105 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 21 × 5 = 105,
42/21 = 42 × 5/21 × 5 = 210/105 - Subtract the two like fractions:
168/105 - 210/105 = 168 - 210/105 = -42/105 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -2/5
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