To subtract the fractions \( \frac{2}{5} \) and \( \frac{2}{7} \), you first need a common denominator. The least common multiple (LCM) of 5 and 7 is 35.
Now, convert each fraction to have the common denominator of 35:
\[ \frac{2}{5} = \frac{2 \times 7}{5 \times 7} = \frac{14}{35} \]
\[ \frac{2}{7} = \frac{2 \times 5}{7 \times 5} = \frac{10}{35} \]
Now, subtract the fractions:
\[ \frac{14}{35} - \frac{10}{35} = \frac{14 - 10}{35} = \frac{4}{35} \]
Thus,
\[ \frac{2}{5} - \frac{2}{7} = \frac{4}{35} \]