Subtract 20/16 from 2/42
1st number: 2/42, 2nd number: 1 4/16
2/42 - 20/16 is -101/84.
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,
2/42 = 2 × 8/42 × 8 = 16/336 - Likewise, for the 2nd fraction, since 16 × 21 = 336,
20/16 = 20 × 21/16 × 21 = 420/336 - Subtract the two like fractions:
16/336 - 420/336 = 16 - 420/336 = -404/336 - After reducing the fraction, the answer is -101/84
MathStep (Works offline)
Download our mobile app and learn to work with fractions in your own time:
Android and iPhone/ iPad
Related: 4/42-20/16 2/42-40/16 2/84-20/16 2/42-20/32 6/42-20/16 2/42-60/16 2/42-20/48 10/42-20/16 2/42-20/80 14/42-20/16