Subtract 3/42 from 1/16
1/16 - 3/42 is -1/112.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 16 and 42 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
1/16 = 1 × 21/16 × 21 = 21/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
3/42 = 3 × 8/42 × 8 = 24/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
21/336 - 24/336 = 21 - 24/336 = -3/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -1/112
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 2/16-3/42 1/16-6/42 1/32-3/42 1/16-3/84 3/16-3/42 1/16-9/42 1/48-3/42 5/16-3/42 1/16-15/42 1/80-3/42 7/16-3/42 1/16-21/42