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

Exact Answer

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

Step 1: Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)
The denominators 9 and 21 share a common factor (GCD = 3). Finding their Least Common Multiple gives an LCD of 63 (which is smaller than their product 9 × 21 = 189, keeping the calculation simpler).
Working: LCD(9, 21) = 63

Step 2: Convert to Equivalent Fractions with Common Denominator 63
Multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/9 by 7, and multiply the numerator and denominator of 7/21 by 3 so both fractions share the common base 63.
Working: 2 × 7/9 × 7 = 14/63 and 7 × 3/21 × 3 = 21/63

Step 3: Subtract the Numerators
Now subtract the numerators (14 − 21 = -7) and keep the common denominator 63 unchanged.
Working: 14 − 21/63 = -7/63

Step 4: Simplify the Fraction to Lowest Terms
Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 7 and 63, which is 7. Divide both the numerator and denominator by 7.
Working: -7 ÷ 7/63 ÷ 7 = -1/9

Step 5: Decimal & Percentage Representation
Dividing the numerator -1 by denominator 9 produces a repeating decimal (approximately -0.111111, or -11.1111%).
Working: -1 ÷ 9 = -0.111111 (-11.1111%)

Key Values:
- Simplified Fraction: -1/9
- Mixed Number Form: -1/9
- Decimal Value: -0.111111
- Percentage: -11.1111%

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

Simplified Fraction

-1/9

Mixed Number

Proper (-1/9)

Decimal Value

-0.111111

Percentage

-11.1111%

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Step-by-Step Solution: 2/9 − 7/21

Step 1

Find the Least Common Denominator (LCD)

The denominators 9 and 21 share a common factor (GCD = 3). Finding their Least Common Multiple gives an LCD of 63 (which is smaller than their product 9 × 21 = 189, keeping the calculation simpler).

LCD(9, 21) = 63

Step 2

Convert to Equivalent Fractions with Common Denominator 63

Multiply the numerator and denominator of 2/9 by 7, and multiply the numerator and denominator of 7/21 by 3 so both fractions share the common base 63.

2 × 7/9 × 7 = 14/63 and 7 × 3/21 × 3 = 21/63

Step 3

Subtract the Numerators

Now subtract the numerators (14 − 21 = -7) and keep the common denominator 63 unchanged.

14 − 21/63 = -7/63

Step 4

Simplify the Fraction to Lowest Terms

Find the Greatest Common Divisor (GCD) of 7 and 63, which is 7. Divide both the numerator and denominator by 7.

-7 ÷ 7/63 ÷ 7 = -1/9

Step 5

Decimal & Percentage Representation

Dividing the numerator -1 by denominator 9 produces a repeating decimal (approximately -0.111111, or -11.1111%).

-1 ÷ 9 = -0.111111 (-11.1111%)

Visual Representation

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

−

Summary & Alternative Representations

Property / Format	Value
Lowest Terms Fraction	`-1/9`
Mixed Number Form	`-1/9`
Decimal Form	`-0.111111`
Percentage	`-11.1111%`

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

2/9 − 7/21 converted to a decimal is -0.111111.

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

2/9 − 7/21 expressed as a percentage is -11.1111%.

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

It results in a repeating decimal (approximately -0.111111...) because the denominator contains prime factors other than 2 and 5.