What is 2/33 minus 2/21? (Answer: -8/231)

Exact Answer

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Problem: What is 2/33 minus 2/21?
Formula / Expression: 2/33 − 2/21
Final Answer: -8/231
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Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
The denominators 33 and 21 share a common factor (GCD = 3). Finding their Least Common Multiple gives an LCD of 231 (which is smaller than their product 33 × 21 = 693, keeping the calculation simpler).
Working: LCD(33, 21) = 231

Step 2: Convert to Equivalent Fractions with Common Denominator 231
Multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/33 by 7, and multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/21 by 11 so both fractions share the common base 231.
Working: 2 × 7/33 × 7 = 14/231 and 2 × 11/21 × 11 = 22/231

Step 3: Subtract the Numerators
Now subtract the numerators (14 − 22 = -8) and keep the common denominator 231 unchanged.
Working: 14 − 22/231 = -8/231

Step 4: Check if the Fraction Can Be Simplified
The Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 8 and 231 is 1, confirming that -8/231 cannot be reduced further—it is already in its simplest irreducible form.
Working: -8/231

Step 5: Decimal & Percentage Representation
Dividing the numerator -8 by denominator 231 produces a repeating decimal (approximately -0.034632, or -3.4632%).
Working: -8 ÷ 231 = -0.034632 (-3.4632%)

Key Values:
- Simplified Fraction: -8/231
- Mixed Number Form: -8/231
- Decimal Value: -0.034632
- Percentage: -3.4632%

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Solved with FractionsCalc:
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2/33 − 2/21 = -8/231

Simplified Fraction

-8/231

Mixed Number

Proper (-8/231)

Decimal Value

-0.034632

Percentage

-3.4632%

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Step-by-Step Solution: 2/33 − 2/21

Step 1

Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)

The denominators 33 and 21 share a common factor (GCD = 3). Finding their Least Common Multiple gives an LCD of 231 (which is smaller than their product 33 × 21 = 693, keeping the calculation simpler).

LCD(33, 21) = 231

Step 2

Convert to Equivalent Fractions with Common Denominator 231

Multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/33 by 7, and multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/21 by 11 so both fractions share the common base 231.

2 × 7/33 × 7 = 14/231 and 2 × 11/21 × 11 = 22/231

Step 3

Subtract the Numerators

Now subtract the numerators (14 − 22 = -8) and keep the common denominator 231 unchanged.

14 − 22/231 = -8/231

Step 4

Check if the Fraction Can Be Simplified

The Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 8 and 231 is 1, confirming that -8/231 cannot be reduced further—it is already in its simplest irreducible form.

-8/231

Step 5

Decimal & Percentage Representation

Dividing the numerator -8 by denominator 231 produces a repeating decimal (approximately -0.034632, or -3.4632%).

-8 ÷ 231 = -0.034632 (-3.4632%)

Visual Representation

The diagram below illustrates 2/33 minus 2/21 visually:

−

Summary & Alternative Representations

Property / Format	Value
Lowest Terms Fraction	`-8/231`
Mixed Number Form	`-8/231`
Decimal Form	`-0.034632`
Percentage	`-3.4632%`

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2/33 minus 2/21 as a fraction?

2/33 − 2/21 in simplest fraction form is -8/231.

What is 2/33 minus 2/21 as a decimal?

2/33 − 2/21 converted to a decimal is -0.034632.

What is 2/33 minus 2/21 as a percentage?

2/33 − 2/21 expressed as a percentage is -3.4632%.

Does 2/33 minus 2/21 result in a terminating or repeating decimal?

It results in a repeating decimal (approximately -0.034632...) because the denominator contains prime factors other than 2 and 5.