Subtract 40/16 from 12/42
1st number: 12/42, 2nd number: 2 8/16
12/42 - 40/16 is -31/14.
Steps for subtracting fractions
- Find the least common denominator or LCM of the two denominators:
LCM of 42 and 16 is 336
Next, find the equivalent fraction of both fractional numbers with denominator 336 - For the 1st fraction, since 42 × 8 = 336,
12/42 = 12 × 8/42 × 8 = 96/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
40/16 = 40 × 21/16 × 21 = 840/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
96/336 - 840/336 = 96 - 840/336 = -744/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -31/14
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