What is 2/7 minus 9/21? (Answer: -1/7)

Exact Answer

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Problem: What is 2/7 minus 9/21?
Formula / Expression: 2/7 − 9/21
Final Answer: -1/7
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Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
Notice that 21 is an exact multiple of 7 (7 × 3 = 21). The Least Common Denominator (LCD) is simply 21, meaning we only need to scale one fraction.
Working: LCD(7, 21) = 21

Step 2: Convert to Equivalent Fractions with Common Denominator 21
Multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/7 by 3, and multiply the numerator and denominator of 9/21 by 1 so both fractions share the common base 21.
Working: 2 × 3/7 × 3 = 6/21 and 9 × 1/21 × 1 = 9/21

Step 3: Subtract the Numerators
Now subtract the numerators (6 − 9 = -3) and keep the common denominator 21 unchanged.
Working: 6 − 9/21 = -3/21

Step 4: Simplify the Fraction to Lowest Terms
Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 3 and 21, which is 3. Divide both the numerator and denominator by 3.
Working: -3 ÷ 3/21 ÷ 3 = -1/7

Step 5: Decimal & Percentage Representation
Dividing the numerator -1 by denominator 7 produces a repeating decimal (approximately -0.142857, or -14.2857%).
Working: -1 ÷ 7 = -0.142857 (-14.2857%)

Key Values:
- Simplified Fraction: -1/7
- Mixed Number Form: -1/7
- Decimal Value: -0.142857
- Percentage: -14.2857%

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Solved with FractionsCalc:
https://fractionscalc.com/what-is-2-7-minus-9-21/
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2/7 − 9/21 = -1/7

Simplified Fraction

-1/7

Mixed Number

Proper (-1/7)

Decimal Value

-0.142857

Percentage

-14.2857%

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Step-by-Step Solution: 2/7 − 9/21

Step 1

Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)

Notice that 21 is an exact multiple of 7 (7 × 3 = 21). The Least Common Denominator (LCD) is simply 21, meaning we only need to scale one fraction.

LCD(7, 21) = 21

Step 2

Convert to Equivalent Fractions with Common Denominator 21

Multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/7 by 3, and multiply the numerator and denominator of 9/21 by 1 so both fractions share the common base 21.

2 × 3/7 × 3 = 6/21 and 9 × 1/21 × 1 = 9/21

Step 3

Subtract the Numerators

Now subtract the numerators (6 − 9 = -3) and keep the common denominator 21 unchanged.

6 − 9/21 = -3/21

Step 4

Simplify the Fraction to Lowest Terms

Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 3 and 21, which is 3. Divide both the numerator and denominator by 3.

-3 ÷ 3/21 ÷ 3 = -1/7

Step 5

Decimal & Percentage Representation

Dividing the numerator -1 by denominator 7 produces a repeating decimal (approximately -0.142857, or -14.2857%).

-1 ÷ 7 = -0.142857 (-14.2857%)

Visual Representation

The diagram below illustrates 2/7 minus 9/21 visually:

−

Summary & Alternative Representations

Property / Format	Value
Lowest Terms Fraction	`-1/7`
Mixed Number Form	`-1/7`
Decimal Form	`-0.142857`
Percentage	`-14.2857%`

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is 2/7 minus 9/21 as a fraction?

2/7 − 9/21 in simplest fraction form is -1/7.

What is 2/7 minus 9/21 as a decimal?

2/7 − 9/21 converted to a decimal is -0.142857.

What is 2/7 minus 9/21 as a percentage?

2/7 − 9/21 expressed as a percentage is -14.2857%.

Does 2/7 minus 9/21 result in a terminating or repeating decimal?

It results in a repeating decimal (approximately -0.142857...) because the denominator contains prime factors other than 2 and 5.